Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

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(More about travel leads and what to consider with a leads program.)

Fees for Luxury Travel? HAR'S Host Search! Host v. Franchise?

Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 156 Steph is so excited to co-host with Meredith Calloway of GTN! You’ve sent along some fabulous questions this week, so please join us for some great Friday afternoon conversation!

Here's Today's Questions!

1. Hi! I’d like to charge a fee for my business. I plan to specialize in luxury, which I think will make it easier to charge a fee, like Courtnie in your last podcast said. What is the best rate to charge? Any other fee-charging tips? —Anonymous

2. I'm currently with a Virtuoso host agency but thinking of making a change. Is there a way to filter your hosts to select for Virtuoso? I'm not sure I want to give that up. —C.

3. Hi there. I have a couple questions about becoming a travel agent and thought maybe you could send me more information. I would like to understand the difference between being a host agency and a franchise. There is so much information online that is untrue and it's hard to decipher between what's real and what people just put out there to take your money.

Any information you could send me I would appreciate!

Thanks, –Andrea C.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Importance of HA with leads? Providing private info to an HA? Write-offs for cruises?

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 155 Steph co-hosts with Jenn Lee of TPI and their new franchise Vacation Planners! We’ve got some great, in-depth questions from you this week, so let’s get down to business. Join us!

Questions :

1. Hello Stephanie, I am new to the industry and I am trying to find a travel host. If I am geared towards making money and want to make this a full-time job, would it be better to choose a host agency that offers leads? Would that make a difference? —Nina C.

2. If I am signing a contract with a host agency, am I required to provide my SSN along with my driver's license? I am not very comfortable providing that information but would like to know if the host agency needs that information prior to the training and hiring? ---Hemangi S.

3. Hi! I was reading your article on travel expenses travel agents can write off. What about writing off a cruise where you are escorting a group and while onboard you meet with them daily to answer questions, "herd cats" and also to organize and host group events both on the ship and at the ports? Sometimes a spouse goes along, sometimes just the TA. Typical Caribbean cruise, so not American-flagged (that pretty much limits it to Pride of America and American Cruise Line river cruises). –Mary S.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(Annual hosted travel advisor report gives idea of earnings over time for both FT and PT advisors to help with your planning.)

(Learn more about travel agency fraud and the social engineering tactics fraudsters use.)

(Things to look for in your contract with your host agency)

(What travel expenses travel agents can, and can’t, write off.)

(5 steps to finding groups – it’s not as hard as you think!)

(10 Insider Group Booking Tips From Travel Advisors)

(Here’s What Suppliers Want You to Know About Booking Groups)

Contract obligations after leaving a HA? Switch to Travefy? Balancing FT job with TA work?

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 154 Steph co-hosts Stephanie Gries of Travefy. (It’s a special Stephanie and Stephanie episode!) They’ve got some big questions to cover, so grab your note-taking materials and get ready to study up!

Questions :

1. Hello HAR, I have learned so much from your site and have found it to be an invaluable resource, I only wish I had found it sooner!

I been a travel advisor for about 3 years. I recently left my host. There were some areas of the business that I did not feel the owners were keeping the same priorities as when the agency was first started and not providing support that had also been promised.

On top of taking a 60%/40% commission split- which I now know is not industry standard! In the IC contract that I terminated with my previous agency, there is a paragraph that reads:

"Directly or indirectly, continuing for one year after the termination of this Agreement, contractor shall not, hire, solicit,induce, or attempt to induce any independent contractor working with the Company to terminate his/her/their Commission Sales Agreement with the Company, or otherwise cease his/her/their relationship with the Company."

Do you think this holds any weight? Can they really hold me to not hiring anyone else from their agency for one year? We are all ICs, so I just don't see how they could actually enforce that?

I appreciate any insight or resource you may have on this matter. —Anonymous

2. Hi Stephanie. When does it make sense from a money standpoint for an advisor to join Travefy? With all the startup costs what would you say is the tipping point where it makes sense for an advisor to switch over? —A Fan Named Stephanie with the Last Name Lee

3. What are some tricks for balancing a full time job with starting an agency? —Melissa A.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(List of travel industry attorneys)
(Things to look for in your contract with your host agency)
Jeff Ment’s website (the attorney we reached out to): Connecticut Law Enforcement Lawyer & Travel Lawyer | Ment Law Group
(Annual hosted travel advisor report gives average commission split for new vs. experienced advisors.)
(HAR’s comparison chart of travel itinerary builders for agencies.)
(HAR’s free travel itinerary building template.)
(Check out Travefy!)
(recommended Travefy resource)
(recommended Travefy resource)
(recommended Travefy resource)
(Travefy user group)

How to Manage Many Perks? Switching from Unsupportive HA? What’s a Trust Account?

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 153 Steph co-hosts with the one and only Mary Stein of HAR. Sponsored by Outside Agents - thanks Chad and team! Here’s a taste of the questions they’ll cover:

Questions :

1. I keep noticing offers from my host agency/consortia/vendors that would provide perks for my clients and bonus commissions for me…after it is too late to claim them. How do other agents manage the flood of consumer and agent incentives so they can make recommendations that are good for their clients and good for them? —Vince K.

2. I am thinking about switching to another host agency because the one I am with really does not reach out to ask me why my sales are low. It is very difficult to find clients. I would like to sign up with a host agency that will reach out to their members to help them to figure out where they are struggling. Sorry for the long intro but my question is do I lose all my credentials that I already have with some vendors. I have completed my Disney Knowledge, Universal's course and some of Norwegian's courses. I appreciate everything you do for us agents. Thank you! —Lourdes P.

3. I'm in the process of getting a business bank account, and I recall something being mentioned in one of the Friday 15s or in the 7-day Setup about potentially setting up a trust account for client deposits. Is this just a secondary business bank account specifically for depositing client deposits, or is it something official that is regulated by the state or another overseeing agency as it is for lawyers? —Ashley R.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Custom Terms and Conditions? Venmo for HA Payments? International Clients for US-based Agents?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 152 Steph co-hosts with the one and only Jenn of TPI and the chat on TPI’s new franchise, Vacation Planners!

Questions :

1. What is your view on terms and conditions? I see so much talk about them but do I need to invest in getting custom terms and conditions for my agency? That seems crazy to me. —Anonymous

2. Hi Steph! I signed up for a host agency on your site and he asked me to Venmo over the payment to get started. He seems legitimate but it just has me worried. Is sending Venmo to a host agency normal? —Anonymous

3. First I would like to say how helpful your website and podcasts are. I listen to Spotify, watch YouTube videos and read all the articles every chance I can. Everything is SO HELPFUL! Thank you so much.

I am still in the process of finding the best host to join and here's my question: I am a Brazilian and US resident and I was wondering if I could have customers from other countries as Brazilians would be a huge network of clients for me visiting the US. Do host agencies accept that or does it depend on the agency?

Do their software of payments accept international credit cards/currency exchange? I would still be a US-based TA under a US-based host agency. Thank you! --Camila S.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Opened agency – now what? Finding a good HA? FAM Trips!

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 151 Steph tackles some great questions with co-host Henley Vazquez from Fora!

Questions :

1. I have my agency set up after going through your 7 Day Set Up program but now I’m lost on how to find clients and start advertising. I know there is no one way to do things, but what would you recommend for next steps once my agency has opened? I sent an email to my friends and family about my new agency and also set up social profiles. –Anonymous

2. I am looking for a host agency and I have never had one before. I have compared a ton on your site and I am feeling overwhelmed. What are the main things I should be looking for in a good host agency? Or should I start my own? ---Judi N.

3. I was just invited on my first fam trip! Do you have any advice on how to make the most of it or tips for a new travel agent going on their first fam? Thanks! ---Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(HAR’s 7 Day Setup LITE is a free online course that helps you start your agency. It does not have support and takes you through resources to help you make things happen)

(HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator course with 70+ easily digestible videos, 48 exclusive resources, monthly live meetups with HAR team and others for support and accountability, priority email support)

(List of host agencies.)

(Advice on how to find the best host agency.)

(Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them)

(How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection)

(The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist)

(5 Ways to Make Your Travel Conference Count)

What’s in a (business) name? Locality of HA? Steps to Becoming an Agent?

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 150 Steph fields some great questions from our good friend Anonymous (ha!) about naming your biz and choosing a HA based on locality. She also breaks down how to become a travel agent in some handy steps!

Questions :

1. I am just stepping into starting a travel agency at the very early stages and still working on what it would look like for me. When considering a niche and a business name, I suspect having the niche in the business name can help, but would it cause issues if I wanted to pivot or expand to a different niche at some point in the future and possibly require a business name change and rebranding challenges. Do you have any advice or should I just worry about the future. –Anonymous

2. How important is it to join a local host agency? —Anonymous

3. I know there isn’t one set answer for this, but how would you break down the steps on how to become a travel agent? —Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

What makes HAR Courses Special? Flight Commissions for International TAs? Benefits of GDS?

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 149 Steph co-hosts with April Swales of Uniglobe. Here are the questions they’ll cover. Got some fun ones this week!

Questions :

1. How do HAR courses differ from an IATA course or something offered through a host agency? –Anonymous

2. Hello HAR and team! I have a question about commissions. For travel agents based in Europe, as far as I know most airlines do not pay any commission. But it seems to me that this is not the case for TAs based elsewhere. I am asking this because I just got my IATA accreditation, and my business is mostly flight consulting. But I do this for clients based worldwide.

3. Most travel agents where I am from have to add a ticketing fee to their customers, and if they sell flight only then their only revenue will be that fee. In the end, if I don't get any commission from airlines, what is my benefit in using a GDS?

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(UTC’s 3 month mentoring program)

(List of trainings specific to corporate advisors, including IATA)

(List of other travel agent training opportunities)

(HAR’s course through ASTA. The Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor.)

(HAR’s 7 Day Setup LITE is a free online course that helps you start your agency. It does not have support and takes you through resources to help you make things happen)

(HAR’s travel industry glossary)

(All about travel agent commissions, including airline commissions.)

(A list of the different travel agent accreditation options.)

(An article on what the GDS is)

(All about airline fare types)

(What is a travel agency debit memo?)

(3 ways travel agents save you money that OTAs can’t)

(Travel agent survey data on fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more.)

(In-depth information on what the GDS, global distribution system, is and which travel advisors use it.)

(Tips on how to become a corporate travel agent.)

(Podcast episode with a corporate travel agent that does meetings and corporate travel management.)

(Podcast episode with an advisor who books air only and charges $50-500 fees per ticket.)

(Travel agent guide to charging fees.)

5k group booking fee. 6.5k retainer w/50k min annual spend. Content marketing. Meet Courtnie

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol29

Special thanks to today’s sponsor: Caffeine

Today’s guest is a former professional fundraiser who put those skills to work and went from travel being a part time job on the side in 2017 to full time in June 2018.

Here’s the thing to know though. Even with $2.5M in sales, that’s not the metric our guest watches. This travel advisor has niched down into groups—both destination weddings and celebrations groups—with a minimum of 10 rooms and an average spend of $500-1000 per guest, per day.

The metric she does watch is the steady income that comes from her group booking fee of $5,000 per group and the 18 clients that are in her VIP club where there is a $6.5k a year annual retainer that has a minimum annual travel spend of $50k, and that doesn’t include air.

For today’s guest, commission is just icing on the cake.

Courtnie Nichols is a study in crafting the business of your dreams by thinking about what you want out of life and reverse engineering your business to fit the lifestyle you want. She only books one destination wedding a month. She takes most of Friday off and focuses on self-care. She lays out who she wants to work with and sticks to it. And December? Forget about it! She and the TravelBash team take the entire month of December off.

So come along for an inspirational conversation with a travel advisor who isn’t afraid to do things differently and by doing so, has found a work-life balance others dream of and a steady income stream that no pandemic or natural disaster can wreak havoc on.

How to Transfer Data to Tern? Help for Advisors with ADHD? How to See if a HA Offers Tern?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 148 Steph co-hosts with Katie WIlliams of Tern. Here are the questions they tackle this week!

Questions :

1. I'd like to switch to Tern. We're currently on Axus. Is there an easy way to transfer that data or can you tell me the level of manual work that needs to be done by our team to make the move? –Anonymous

2. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and of course, some of the things I struggle with is creating processes and maintaining focus (among other things ). I'm relatively new and I would like my niche to include ADHD travelers. Any tips and tricks for ADHD advisors to start and keep up with processes and tasks? Thanks so much! –Sandra S.

3. Is there a way to tell if a host agency offers Tern on their HAR profile? –Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

katie@tern.travel (Katie’s email — anonymous, reach out!)
(Tern, Axus and other travel itinerary builder comparison chart)
(Look on a host’s profile for more details)

HAR-reviewed HAs Only? Host Agencies vs. Travel Agencies? Just Starting and Need Direction!

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 147 Steph co-hosts with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel. Here’s a quick look at the three questions they cover this week.

Questions :

1. I found a host agency which fits with my requirements but they don't have any reviews on host agency reviews. Is it okay or not to work with host agencies without any reviews on their profile? --Meseret G.

2. Is there an advantage to working with a host agency that has a storefront? Could you also please explain what the “Host Type” is on the HAR profiles. What is “Host Only”

and what is “Hybrid (Host & Travel Agency)”? It’s my understanding that all host agencies are travel agencies. --Anonymous

3. Before I get started with my confusion I would like to tell you what an amazing job you and your team do!!! So thank you! (Aw, thank you!) I love organizing experiences and adventures. This is where I'm stuck at a crossroads; I want to start working and become more knowledgeable in the industry by working at a host agency, but I’m not quite ready to leap out on my own yet. I'm not sure which host would be the best fit for me as someone that has never done this before and would love to start this new adventure. - Stephanie U.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Accelerator Course for Experienced Advisors? Can HAs Require Exclusivity? Training Before HA?

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 146 Steph and the lovely Lindsay Lauer of Travel Leaders 365 answer your excellent questions!

Questions :

1. Would the Accelerator course be helpful if I've been an employee? I'm thinking of going on my own. I do a volume of around $1M and have 2.5 yrs experience with over 1000 cruise bookings. --Anonymous

2. Can I require my agency's independent contractors (ICs) to work exclusively with my agency? A few prospective ICs have told me that exclusivity is not allowed by law. Is this correct? --Anonymous

3. I’m wondering if I can start with a host agency right away, or if I need to complete any training first. Does it vary by agency? --Donna A.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

How To Charge Fees? Accessibility of Interline Rates? Travel Tech on a Budget!

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 145 Steph co-hosts with Connie Miller of Montecito Travel and they tackle your probing and ever-helpful questions.

Questions :

1. I would love a conversation about how to execute charging fees when different trips take such a different amount of time. Some people know what they want - some don't. I've been experimenting and every person I've given an hourly fee (I've tested it at $75 and $100) and my estimated timeline, they've passed on my services. So I haven't gotten any fees in the six months I've been working on this. I've had some great success, but I have also wasted a ton of time with people shopping me and then taking my itinerary and booking it elsewhere to save $20 (especially on FIT trips). I've got to take control of my time and energy and make sure I'm spending time with the right people. But I have no idea how to actually implement fees and what a reasonable rate/package is. And I don't want to scare off people who could become great clients. --Kristina C.

2. Are Interline rates accessible by any travel agent? Hosting agency? I’m a newbie here looking for a HA -- majority of friends, family and neighbors are airline employees, so this would be a rather large target market for me (and frankly my niche in the cruise market). I'm familiar with Perx/ID90/Interliner, etc-- but can a new agent under a hosting agency access these rates? Or is there some sort of authorization process an agent needs to obtain in order to book these rates for clients? –Sean R.

3. Can you help me understand the technology needed to be a travel agent? What is most important if you are on a budget? –Jamie T.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(HAR’s webinar on using HAR’s research reports to grow your agency)

(Chart of fees)

(A guide to charging fees)

(What are interline cruise rates and who qualifies?)

(List of host agencies)

(Montecito Village Travel’s HAR profile)

Opened in June. First booking June 2023. Previous salary replaced by June 2024. Meet Judi.

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol28

Starting a business is not easy. Starting a successful business is even harder. Judi Lombardi has done both the past 9 months with her newly opened travel agency, Memories on the Move Travel.

A seasoned traveler with a passion for planning, she finally made the leap a decade after she first started exploring the idea of starting a travel agency. In 2023, she took the plunge! You’ll hear what gave her the push she needed to make that leap, why she chose to take HAR’s Accelerator course versus doing it on her own, and how she had a lightbulb moment about being an entrepreneur while watching Host Week EduSpots.

Opening in June of 2023, Memories on the Move is on track to replace Judi’s previous salary by June of 2024. While Judi has shied away from doing any formal advertising, her agency is a great case study in the power of referrals, hand written notes, and client testimonials. Oh, and did we mention she has a 100% testimonial return rate from her clients? She’ll share her secret sauce for that too!

When it comes to fees, this Massachusetts based advisor came up with a creative workaround that her clients loved, gave her a little more time to figure out her fee structure, AND helped paved the way for charging fees when she was ready. It’s a must listen for any new advisor or veteran advisors getting ready to start implementing fees.

And for any entrepreneur that feels overwhelmed with ideas to implement and has trouble staying on task, this former speech therapist has a solution for that too. It’s called her tickler file and every advisor should have one.

Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s a little something for everyone in this episode! We’ve got inspiration. We’ve got effective organic marketing tips that don’t take a lot of time but have a lot of impact. We’ve got advice for newbies, from a successful newbie, Won’t you join us?

Working with Canadians? Best Host Agency for YOU? Becoming a Top Seller of Travel!

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 144 Steph chats with the fabulous Jenn Lee of TPI as they answer some great questions from you, our audience. Here are this week's questions!

Questions :

1. I have turned down several Canadians because I'm afraid I'm not licensed to work with them. But I've recently been told this isn't correct.. Can you please help me figure out what the current regulations are? I'm talking specifically about potential clients who live in Canada booking through me, a Tennessee-based agent. I've been reached by a couple in Vancouver and one in Toronto wanting to plan honeymoons to the Caribbean. We were specifically looking at Sandals, which I'm sure does tons of business with all nationalities. But I wanted to look at other resorts as well. Thanks for any insight you can provide! --Kristina C.

2. How do you find the best Host Agency for you? –Tracy E.

3. How do you become a top seller of travel? –Tracy E.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(Canadian travel agency regulations in a nutshell)

(Travel industry attorney list)

(Tom Carpenter’s law office)

(ARC’s webinar on fraud)

(Download our free excel sheet with questions to ask your prospective host agencies)

(Things to look for in your host agency contract)

(Watch all of Host Week on our YouTube playlist!)

(Jenn’s EduSpot on Curating a Loyal Fanbase: Creating Meaningful Connections)

(Host Week One Thing on Using Admins to Grow your Biz)

(EduSpot with Tamay Shannon on using ChatGPT for your agency)

https://har.news/advrm -Travel advisor roadmap

2024 Host Week - Fri - Prize Giveaways + Closing

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:20:02 -0400

Tune in to see if you won. :) We'll see you next year! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - EduSpots, Making Travel More Accessible, De'Andrea Matthews

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:00:12 -0400

When most people think about accessibility, the first thing that comes to mind are mobility challenges. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 61 million adults across the United States identify as having a disability of some kind. Some disabilities are not visible or obvious, like sensory or dietary needs. About 10% or 6.1 million people have hidden or invisible disabilities. People with hidden disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which includes being entitled to accommodations in lodging. What does this mean for our international travelers, though? How can travel advisors continue to provide stellar service through accommodations, amenities and cultural experiences as the country’s aging population grows at a rapid rate? These and other questions will be explored in “Shifting Identities: Making Travel More Accessible”. This presentation will focus on five aspects of diversity – language, dietary restrictions, transportation, religion and technology – to share the impact of accessibility in travel. Take away: 1. Learn the accessibility features (and new logo) to highlight with travel amenities as a new approach to meeting the needs of your client. 2. Hear relevant examples of “travel gone wrong” to avoid. 3. Simulate how to ask the uncomfortable, but needed questions so your client enjoys the best travel experience from beginning to end. 4. Incorporate immersive cultural experiences for an inclusive travel itinerary while promoting repeat business. (They will tell their friends!) Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - EduSpots, Storytelling To Sell, Aubrey Jackson

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:40:02 -0400

Aubrey Jackson's 10 years of journalistic experience and love of travel serve as the perfect ingredients for content creation success. The TV news anchor turned luxury travel specialist discovered organic marketing success by creating content that "tell stories" of destinations she highlights, further educating her online audience while enlightening her clients. During this Host Week workshop you will learn how to utilize storytelling to create content that informs your audience and inspires them to complete an action like "book a call" with you and leave the session with actionable steps to begin creating content today and the best apps to use and download right to your iphone, to create 30 to 60 length video content that converts! Take away: •- Identifying "your go to platform" short form content is everywhere and though you may feel like you have to be, I advise choosing a platform to master and in this session I will share why Tiktok became my "platform of choice" - What type of storyteller are you? Story Type #1: Educational Story. ... (inform and educate) Story Type #2: Entertainment Story. ... (sell a dream) Story Type #3: Vulnerable/personal Story. ... (share a relatable experience) - Best apps to download to and use for editing on your phone Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - EduSpot, Curating A Loyal Fanbase, Jenn Lee

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:20:02 -0400

Have you ever seen one of your friends, family members or clients post fabulous pictures about the amazing adventure they just took, but they didn’t hire YOU to craft the experience? It happens. Jenn Lee, VP Industry Engagement and Support with TPI, knows EXACTLY why this happens and will share what you should start and stop doing to ensure you have clients for a lifetime. Take away: - Understand what actions you are taking that “push” people away. - Understand what motivates people to stay loyal to your brand. - Strategies to leverage loyal clients to gain more clients. - Strategies to create true connections with your clients. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - Luminary Awards

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:00:02 -0400

Our Luminary Awards recognize the best of the best host agencies for their commitment to making the industry better for hosted travel advisors. This is a segment best watched instead of listened to. Find the video here---> https://www.youtube.com/live/tT7cHbr_y-g?feature=shared&t=15536 Read more about the Luminary Awards and view the winners on our blog: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-host-travel-agency-2024 Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Departure Lounge

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:40:02 -0400

Every host agency starting to look alike for you? Hear from over 30 host agencies in Host Week's Meet the Hosts sessions! We interview them to learn more about their culture, programs, and success stories. Tune in for the 10-20 minute interviews that will help differentiate and humanize the myriad of host agencies out there. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Uniglobe Travel Center

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:20:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Pickles Travel Network

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:00:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Montecito Village Travel

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:45:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Gifted Travel Network

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:25:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Hosts, Fora

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:05:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Fri - Meet The Consortia, Virtuoso

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:45:02 -0400

Get to know the different consortia within the travel industry in Host Week's Meet the Consortia segments. We have all the major consortia, with the exception of Signature Travel Network. If you're going independent or with a host agency, your consortium will play a key role in the technology, partnerships, and marketing you'll have access to. Learn more about your options in our 10-15 minute interviews. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - Keynote, The 5 Ps To Success, Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:10:02 -0400

I will share my very own personal story, as most of our Travel Advisor partners are entrepreneurs, like Rudi and me when we founded AmaWaterways and were growing our baby to a beautiful young adult that it is today. Part of our story are five things that have shaped by path and steered me in making the decisions that have brought me to where I am today. Those five things, I call my “5 P’s”: Passion Partnerships Positive thinking Personal and Purpose I will be happy to discuss the importance of all 5 P’s, and here is just a thought to the “Personal P”: The Travel industry is based on personal interaction and your successful as an independent travel professional is based on building long lasting personal relationships with a large enough group of repeating clients to meet your revenue goals. While the internet may be a great tool to gather pages of options or sort from low to high price options – it is not capable of recommending a wonderful cruise through Eastern Europe, par example, as it doesn’t know that your client’s grandparents came from Romania and they have never thought about going back until now. Or that a Christmas Time/ Holiday Cruise would be perfect for your clients this year as it looks that this will be the first Christmas where none of their kids are coming home. Or that a Wine Themed cruise on the Danube would be perfect for the recently divorced client nervous about travelling alone. Etc… One of the strongest tools in everyone’s entrepreneurial toolbox is the personal relationships one can build with a client. While everyone’s path to, and measurement of, success as an entrepreneur is different, I hope my stories related to my five “Ps” will help our Travel Advisors thinking about the things that truly matter in building the type of success they want for their travel business. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Fri - The One Thing About Growing Your Biz While Working Less, Mary Beth Lynn

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:00:02 -0400

Our Host Week One Things are short nuggets of information (3-5 min) to help you improve your business. It's like sitting down with an industry pro and asking them "If there was One Thing I can do to grow my business this year, what would it be?" Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Friday - CoffeeSpot, Uniglobe Travel Center With April Swales

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:52 -0400

Host Week CoffeeSpots are a great way to pre-game the big event. Join us as we dive in-depth into one company a day to learn more about what makes them unique! Uniglobe Travel Center is a leading host agency that stands out for its professionalism and support for its members. We offer programs to meet all experience levels, as well as ongoing training & support, providing the tools and resources you need to grow. Through our commitment to success, and our partnership with Virtuoso, UTC empowers you to bring your travel business ideas to life. We understand the unique challenges you face and take pride in cultivating a collaborative and supportive community. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Thurs - EduSpot, Newsletters: Cultivate Your Ideal Clients With 3 Simple Steps

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:40:02 -0400

How do you demonstrate your authority and expertise with your clients and stay top of mind even when they aren’t in a booking-travel mode? If you are like most advisors, you post on social media. But when you do, you give all of the power to them – to decide who to show your content to and when. Staying top of mind with travelers via a newsletter that shows up in their inbox consistently is the best way to stay engaged with your clients. If the idea of creating weekly content feels overwhelming, you are not alone. You have questions… WHAT do I write about? After all I don’t write for Conde Nast and AFAR, I’m a travel advisor. WHEN will I find the time? My week is already overfull. WHO will I send it to? I don’t have a big email list. HOW do choose a platform? I have no idea. WHERE do I begin such an overwhelming task? I can’t possibly add another thing to my plate. I have the answers and I will teach you how to create an engaging newsletter that is targeted to your ideal client, guarantee that you get it sent out every week and has travelers thinking of you the next time they want to plan an adventure. I have written a weekly newsletter to my clients since Feb 2021 without ever missing one. Follow two rules: 1. start small 2. be consistent Take away: 1. An action plan 2. A newsletter framework 3. A scheduling plan 4. A short list of the best email platforms Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Thurs - EduSpot Travel Lessons Learned From NASCAR And Concert Tours

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:15:02 -0400

Prior to my current public speaking and concert management roles, I had a career as a NASCAR pit crew member. Both experiences submerge one into the business and the time away from home exceeds the time at home. Traveling is a major part of getting the jobs done- and not just traveling but traveling right. Transporting multiple personnel and millions of dollars of equipment night-to-night and pivoting with unexpected changes are everyday tasks. Comfort, budget, the calendar, weather, and site promoters are just a few hurdles that must be handled at each stop. The lessons learned working in these industries can train someone to work with much of the general public. Take away: 1. Organizing travel for a large group of people. 2. How to arrange travel for additional equipment 3. What to do when weather or an unforeseen circumstance forces last-minute travel changes 4. Balancing comfort & amenities within a budget. 5. Scaling million-dollar teams & musicians to the family vacation. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Thurs - EduSpot, Leveraging Tech for Your Financial Routine, Stephanie Cannon

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 23:50:02 -0400

Ready to ditch the "once-a-year" manual number crunching and leave the mounds of paper behind? Technology can transform manual financial tasks into efficient, automated processes saving time, increasing accuracy, resulting in less hair-pulling, and seeing your financial results (aka profit) with a few mouse clicks. In this session, I'll share the first steps to transitioning from manual to 'magic'! Take away: - The challenges and potential errors with manual methods - The advantages of transitioning to digital and incorporating this into your routine - Briefly discuss popular, user-friendly apps and software available for travel advisors - Expert tips to determine the right tools that are a good fit your business Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Largay Travel

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 23:30:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Independent By Flight Centre

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 23:10:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thursday - Meet The Hosts, Travel Leaders 365

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:50:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Nexion Travel Group - Canada

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:30:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Incentive Connection Travel

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:10:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Direct Travel

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:50:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Hosts, Travel Edge

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:30:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Meet The Consortia, Ensemble

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:10:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - Keynote, TA Buying Power To Push Towards Sustainable Growth

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:40:02 -0400

Join Anne from the Good Tourism Institute for an inspirational session where she reveals what impact you have as a travel advisor or agency to push towards sustainable growth. Through your buying power and communication with both your partners and clients, you are in a unique position. Let’s make sustainability not just a buzzword but a tangible and exciting part of your business strategy! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Thurs - The One Thing To Know About Facing Adversity, Lindsey Epperly

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:30:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Thurs - CoffeeSpot, Faye Travel Insurance

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:30:02 -0400

Host Week CoffeeSpots are a great way to pre-game the big event. Join us as we dive in-depth into one company a day to learn more about what makes them unique! What if travel insurance did more than wait for things to go wrong? What if it helped things go right? We fundamentally view travel insurance differently than the rest, evolving it from a forgettable add-on to a must-have advantage. Learn more about what makes Faye different. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Wed. - EduSpot, Create 30 Reels In 20 Minutes, Christine Hardenberger

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:45:02 -0400

Conquer the world of Reels without uttering a word or striking a dance move. In this session, I will reveal an incredibly easy Reels creation method that will unlock your ability to create scroll-stopping content that resonates and converts. And you never have to speak on camera! By the end of this session, you will be able to create 30 days worth of Reels in 20 minutes! Take away: 1. Create Reels that connect without ever speaking on camera 2. Conquer your fear of Reels 3. Create 30 Reels in 20 minutes Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Wed. - EduSpot, 8 Things To Ask A New-to-You DMC, Whitney Shindelar

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:20:02 -0400

Crafting custom, high touch trips around the world most often includes collaboration with a DMC partner in destination. These partners have their pulse on everything that's going on in their destination, from hotel openings and management changes, to creating new and unique experiences for clients, and knowing who's who in the bar and restaurant industry in their top cities, among so many additional details. So, in a "new to us" destination, how do we as travel advisors gather a list of DMCs that we can potentially work with? And once we have a short list, what questions do we ask and how do we decide who is ultimately the best fit for our trip design style and for the client's specific interests and preferences? Join me to learn how we can source, vet, and collaborate with DMCs around the world in a way that leads to the wow factor trips for clients and repeat and referral inquiries for us that push our travel businesses to new heights. We'll dive into 8 questions you should ask all DMCs prior to working with them on a new trip design and so much more! Take away: - How to gather a list of DMCs that operate in a destination - How to organize these research notes in a way that will support your business today and in the future - What questions to ask to narrow down a potentially long list of partners we can work with - How to collaborate with a DMC to lead to the best possible outcome for clients and for your travel business - How to most effectively share your experience with fellow travel advisors to support the advisor community and learn from colleagues along the way Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Travel Resources Group

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:00:12 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Travel Leaders Market Square

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:40:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Carlisle Travel

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:20:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Dugan's Travels

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:00:12 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Nexion Travel Group

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:40:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, KHM Travel Group

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:20:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Hosts, Avoya Travel

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:00:12 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Meet The Consortia, Travel Leaders Network

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:40:02 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - Keynote Watch Out For Cyber Scams, Shams And Shady Sh*t, Burton Kelso

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:10:02 -0400

Cybercrime is a human problem. You can have the best firewall, anti-virus or VPN, but all it takes is for you to accidentally click on a link in an email, text message, or give out information over the phone and you're hacked. There’s no way to predict a cyberattack, whether by a lack of security solutions or a careless employee opening some type of malicious attachment. Get crucial tips to keep your business safe and secure. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Wed. - The One Thing To Know About Going Full Time, Jenny Desmond

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:00:22 -0400

2024 Host Week - Wed. - CoffeeSpot With TERN

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:00:12 -0400

Host Week CoffeeSpots are a great way to pre-game the big event. Join us as we dive in-depth into one company a day to learn more about what makes them unique! Feeling like you need to get your tech in order to support your growing business in 2024? Join us! In this CoffeeSpot, David Shull, cofounder and CEO of Tern, will be showcasing the Tern product and how they're consolidating travel advisors' historically fragmented technology solutions to save you time! Founded in early 2023, Tern is revolutionizing the operating tech stack for travel advisors. We'd love to see you there to learn more! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Tues - Closing + South High Cmty Band, What A Wonderful World

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:39:40 -0400

The wrap up and deets on tomorrow. Plus, our musical guests for this Host Week, the South High Community Band of Minneapolis!

2024 Host Week - Tues - EduSpots, Sales Process Pro Tips To Boost Sales, Scott Rutz

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:38:26 -0400

This session will provide key insights for travel professionals on enhancing sales fundamentals, streamlining workflows, and scaling sales teams. Attendees will learn essential sales principles and best practices. We will also look into the creation of efficient sales workflows. An lastly, strategies for scaling sales teams through effective hiring, training, and management. Join us to equip yourself with the tools needed to boost sales and drive efficiency in the future of sales. Take away: - Learn key sales fundamentals and best practices - Learn to build a sales workflow to increase sales and efficiency - Learn how to scale a sales team of travel advisors - Learn tips on effective hiring, training, and management Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Tues - EduSpots, How to Manage Work Life w/Caregiving At Home, Allison Breininger

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:36:41 -0400

One quarter of US adults are part of the "sandwich generation" of caregivers, caring for children and aging parents while also managing a career. Join Allison Breininger, caregiver and creator of The Negative Space, as she covers the unique challenges and benefits of working while caregiving and shares strategies and resources to help balance it all. Take away: - Benefits of working while caregiving include: maintaining a sense of self, enjoyment of the work, compensation, benefits - Challenges of working while caregiving include: balancing the hours, demands, schedules of two demanding "jobs" - How to use the flexibility of being self-employed to your advantage as a caregiver Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Tues - EduSpots, Identifying Leads Worth Your Time, Betsy Grebinoski

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:33:53 -0400

At a time when travel demand is record high, it’s tempting to help every person who comes knocking. But you quickly find yourself up to your eyeballs with unlikeable clients whose budgets are lower than anticipated. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could know you are building your book of business with the best clients? You can! Learn how we’ve tweaked and re-tweaked our webform and onboarding process to identify clients who have great budgets and and are a joy to serve. Take away: 1. The right length to gather necessary information but avoid unwanted bounce 2. Setting client expectations on process and budget 3. Identifying red flags 4. The mix of automation and human assessment 5. Directing all new leads through webform Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week - Tues - South High Cmty Band, Sweet Georgia Brown

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:32:04 -0400

Our musical guests for this Host Week, the South High Community Band of Minneapolis!

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, Outside Agents

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:30:14 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts - Expedia Cruises Of OVC

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:28:40 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, Travel Planners International

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:27:14 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, OAL Travel Network

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:26:09 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, Dream Vacations Advisor

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:25:00 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, Dream Vacations Franchise

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:24:16 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tues - Meet The Hosts, Levarte Travel

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:23:18 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tuesday - Meet The Consortia - TRAVELSAVERS

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:20:27 -0400

2024 Host Week - Tuesday - Keynote, How TAs Can Fight Human Trafficking, Sabrina Stratford

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:17:54 -0400

Travel professionals can be the heroes in the fight against human trafficking. There are over 45 million people in modern slavery today. We fight by understanding human trafficking in its different forms; sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child trafficking, and the signs that may indicate its occurrence. Awareness is crucial to identify potential cases. We learn about red flags and provide training to staff about human trafficking, its impact, and how to respond. We encourage our teams to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities by engaging with local law enforcement, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and hotlines dedicated to human trafficking prevention. We establish a strong relationship with law enforcement agencies and anti-trafficking organizations in our region and work together to share information and coordinate efforts to combat trafficking effectively. We work cautiously with suppliers and conduct due diligence to select partners who adhere to ethical practices and policies. We verify travelers' documents, especially when it comes to minors and individuals traveling alone. We raise awareness by providing information to travelers about human trafficking risks, signs to look for, and resources available for reporting. We can advocate for stronger regulations and policies against human trafficking within the travel industry. Fighting human trafficking requires a collective effort from all stakeholders within the travel industry. By raising awareness, implementing preventative measures, and actively collaborating with anti-trafficking organizations and law enforcement, travel advisors, suppliers, and other industry professionals, we can be heroes and make a significant impact in combatting this heinous crime. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

Host Week 2024 - Tuesday - Coffeepot With Sion Commission Tracking Software

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:15:24 -0400

Host Week CoffeeSpots are a great way to pre-game the big event. Join us as we dive in-depth into one company a day to learn more about what makes them unique! In this session, Irving Betesh, CEO of Sion will reveal how effectively managing commissions with Sion is the game-changing strategy your travel business needs. Learn how transparent and efficient commission tracking is not just about financial clarity but a major growth driver. You’ll learn about tools and techniques for turning commission management into a powerhouse for financial clarity and business expansion. Plus, join us live and you’ll have the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

Process to Change Agencies? Fears of Marketing? Client Intake Forms?

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 143 Steph chats with the one and only April Swales of Uniglobe as they answer your wide-ranging questions. Don’t forget to enter your own questions, as we are inspired by your queries!

Question :

1. What is the process of switching host agencies? I am unsure if my current one is a good fit, but I do have trips booked while using them, and am unsure if I can bring them to a new host. --Anonymous

2. How do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert? –Tracy E.

3. I have been looking for a jotform or something similar to create a link for a client intake. I want to add it to my social media post or any emails. Ideas? Thank you! –Lisa H.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

2024 Host Week - Tuesday - One Thing To Know About Fee Charging, Nikki Miller

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:55:59 -0400

2024 Host Week, Mon - EduSpot, HAR's 7DS ACCELERATOR COURSE, Students' Perspectives

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:47:08 -0400

We'll quickly walk you through what's involved with our 7DS Accelerator program and how it can help you get your agency set up the right way the first and help you get started selling faster! The main focus will be hearing from advisors who went through the course. They started after Host Week last year and we'll hear where they are today! We'll also discuss things like: What made you decide to join the course? What's your advice for new advisors? What was the most valuable part of the course? How did it help you get set up more quickly and start earning faster? Take away: * You'll be dazzled with one of HAR's favorite resources. * Don't forget to check out the Host Week specials --- we have one for $100 off the Accelerator course for Host Week registrants! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week, Mon - EduSpot, Jet-Set w/ChatGPT. Elevate Your Agency In 20 Minutes, Tamay Shannon

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:41:05 -0400

Ready to revolutionize your travel agency in just 20 minutes? Join us for 'Mastering ChatGPT for Travel Agents,' a turbo-charged workshop designed to fast-track your customer service and operational efficiency. Learn how to train ChatGPT, a state-of-the-art conversational AI, to tackle tasks like itinerary planning and customer queries. This session offers a quick dive into evaluating and refining the AI's performance, all while providing you with a take-home worksheet for continued learning. Perfect for busy travel professionals, this workshop is your ticket to leveraging AI for standout service in a crowded market. Don't miss this quick but impactful journey into the future of travel tech! Take away: - Understanding of how to train ChatGPT for tasks specific to travel agencies, like itinerary planning and customer service. - Learn a streamlined approach (STAR Method) to assess the quality and relevance of ChatGPT's responses, ensuring they meet the unique needs of travel clients. - Get quick hacks for tweaking ChatGPT's performance, making it a more effective tool for their travel agency operations. (Think integrations etc) - A worksheet that extend the learning with suggested prompts and things they can do to extend what they learned in the 20min. Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week, Monday - EduSpot, 5 Critical Systems to Scaling Top Performing Teams, Cyndi Williams

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:39:09 -0400

The reports are in and our industry is in need of more skilled travel advisors to meet consumer demand. This is great news if you've been considering scaling your operation or growing a team. Before you start running hiring ads there are a few important things you should know first. Having a solid structure in place before you scale is critical for a proper start up and long-term success. In this session you'll learn from Cyndi Williams who is the behind-the-scenes consultant to travel agency owners that have scaled their teams from zero to 500+ agents. Learn about the foundational systems you'll need as you prepare to grow your very own profitable team. Take away: 1. Creating a scalable operation 2. 5 Critical Systems you need to support your new team 3. How to build an employee pipeline 4. Cultivating a performance-based culture Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week,Monday - EduSpot, LGBTQ Travel Trends For 2024 And Beyond, Scott Wismont

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:36:30 -0400

Sponsored by: Globus Family of Brands. This presentation is designed to equip travel advisors with invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ travel trends for 2024 and beyond. As the travel industry becomes increasingly attuned to diverse needs, understanding these trends is paramount. The session will delve into emerging LGBTQ+ travel destinations, shedding light on their unique attractions and inclusivity initiatives. It will also explore the evolving preferences and priorities of LGBTQ+ travelers, touching on experiential elements, sustainability considerations, and immersive cultural engagements. By comprehending these trends, travel advisors can offer tailored recommendations, enhancing the travel experiences of LGBTQ+ clients. This presentation serves as a compass, guiding travel advisors through the dynamic world of LGBTQ+ travel, enabling them to provide thoughtful, informed, and responsive guidance that aligns with the evolving preferences of this vibrant community. Take away: 1. What the LGBTQ+ Community is, diving in the complexity of the community and exploring the subgroups within it 2. Exploring the unique travel styles of each subgroup within the community 3. Challenges faced by the community when traveling and how to help overcome them. 4. Popular and emerging destinations for the community 5. Where to find resources when working with travelers within the community Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, Modern Travel Professionals

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:34:17 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, Platinum Journeys Travel

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:32:54 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, Cruise Planners

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:31:32 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, 1000 Mile Travel Group

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:29:50 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, TravelFun.Biz

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:28:23 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Hosts, NEST Plus

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:26:38 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Consortia, NEST

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:59:57 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Meet The Consortia, MAST Travel Network

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:48:59 -0400

2024 Host Week, Monday - Keynote, State Of The Host Agency Address | Steph Lee

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:45:21 -0400

Host Week's opening keynote is from HAR's founder, Steph Lee. She discusses trends in the host agency market, where it's heading, what we're seeing, big trends to keep an eye on. Oh, and there's also a band playing a song composed just for Host Week. :) It's called Fly the Chief to the Moon. Enjoy! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

2024 Host Week, Monday: One Thing to Know about Itin Planning | Karla Fritz

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:42:04 -0400

How to Know a HA is Legit? DMC or vacation wholesaler? Consortia for Disney?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 142 Steph co-hosts with Melissa Fahs of ATHome by Atlas and they answer your questions about the wide world of travel, host agencies and advising.

Questions :

1. How can you tell if a host is legit if they’re not listed on your site? I had an owner of a TX agency reach out to me about joining them. --Anonymous

2. Hi Steph! I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the difference between a DMC and a vacation wholesaler and when I would use one over the other. Love your show! Thanks, Courtney F.

3. Is there a Consortium that is better for Disney focused agents? Trying to decide between two host agencies and one is affiliated with travel leaders and one is with Signature Travel network. –Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(More info on travel MLMs)

(Download our free excel sheet with questions to ask your prospective host agencies)

(What are travel consortia/coops?)

Identifying leads worth your time, Betsy Grebinoski's Eduspot from Host Week 2024! : https://www.youtube.com/live/nWiZpma6hFg?feature=shared&t=15127

Tips for Starting an Advisor Podcast? Creating a Good Logo? HAR’s Cruise Packing List!

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this special Host Week edition of the Friday 15 (episode 141), Steph chats with Nadine of Nova Travel Solutions as they answer questions from you, our sweet HAR community.

Questions :

1. For those looking to start a podcast to bring in potential clients to our agency, what are some tips you've learned through your podcast Nadine that other advisors can implement? Some of the "wish someone would have told me this when I started" type of advice. --Steph L. (Me!)

2. I need a great group of people to bounce an idea off of. I'm currently creating a logo for my company, Alpine Escape Travel. I'm thinking of adding "From Alaska to the Appalachians." on it. I'm specializing in Alaska and the Appalachian mountains because they are two of my favorite places. Anyway, I'm worried that might run people off that might be interested in other destinations. Thoughts? ---Kori W.

3. I'm having trouble copying over the Cruise Packing List generator from your article (Here's the link Nadine) to my agency website. Can you walk through it? ---Pupan S.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(HAR podcast on how to start a podcast w/3-4 successful podcast hosts in travel industry!)

(HAR podcast on how to market your podcast w/3-4 successful podcast hosts in travel industry)

(Host Week Eduspot on Podcasting for your Travel Business)

(Tips on choosing a travel agency name article and exercise)

(HAR’s customizable cruise packing list. Copy and embed on your agency’s website)

https://www.novatravelsolutions.com/ (Nadine’s company, Nova Travel Solutions’ website)

Does Disney Work with ICs? What to Ask a Prospective HA? Going into Business with a Friend?

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 140 Steph co-hosts with Christine Hardenberger of Modern Travel Professionals. They tackle the following questions, all about getting started or starting fresh with a new agency this week:

Questions :

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15

01:13 | Disney & Universal criteria for advisors

07:52 | What to ask hosts when switching

16:10 | Starting an agency with a partner

1. I'm a new-ish agent, under 3 years experience, and I have been entertaining the idea of venturing out on my own. I am currently with a host agency. I am curious about some suppliers, specifically Disney and Universal's criteria for 'accepting' a new agency. I don't want to leave my host agency if I won't be accepted to sell Disney and Universal, as these are the two I primarily sell. And how do I start the process to apply? I can't seem to find any contact information for applying to sell these suppliers. --New Agent

2. I'm thinking of switching agencies. How does that process work? What should I be asking the new host? --Anonymous

3. My best friend and I are wanting to look at becoming travel agents together as a side job. We both work full-time day jobs. Do you know if any of your agencies cater to joint ventures? She has traveled much more than me and knows a lot about Carnival / Princess Cruises. Although cruising is what we would like to focus on, we would love to learn more about what we need to do to get started. --Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Disney Commission Eligibility form: https://media.disneywebcontent.com/Me...
https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tr... (Travel Agency Accreditation options for if you’re going on your own, without a host agency)
(Disney Travel Agents website portal)
https://www.universalpartnercommunity... (Universal Studios Travel Agent website portal)
(5 things to consider when switching host agencies)
(10 things to look for in your host agency contract)
(List of travel industry specific attorneys)
(Tips on finding the best host agency for you)
(List where you can use filters to search if they accept sub agents)
(7 Day Setup Accelerator Course)
(7 Day Setup LITE Course)
(Modern Travel Professional’s HAR profile)
(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Agencies Change Commission? Getting Listed on HAR? What To Consider in Change of Host Agency?

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 139 Steph chats with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel center and they answer questions from you, our awesome HAR community.

Questions :

1. Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign? Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens? What if a host changes to a monthly fee -- shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business? My partner and I are experiencing this and could use some advice. – Lori S.

2. How do I have my agency added to Host Agency Reviews? —Jamie W.

3. I currently have a host agency, but I'm starting to look around. I have a few subagents under me. What are the average commission splits out there? I'm at 80%. What things are typically included in the host fee? —Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Clients’ loyalty programs? Agent -- not tour operator! Project Management Platforms?

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 138 we chat with the lovely Lindsay Taylor of Travel Leaders 365 as they tackle three questions from an astute listener named Tim M. Thanks, Tim! Thanks to you all for your great questions from week to week.

Questions :

1) How to navigate clients’ loyalty programs: what are the logistics of ensuring they receive loyalty benefits, qualifying nights, miles/points?

2) Being an Agent vs. an Operator: If I want to book FIT travel, how can I safely curate customized itineraries as a travel agent and not stray into accidentally being considered a tour operator?

3) Project Management Platforms! Do agents typically manage their workflow with their host agency provided CRM program only, or are there other project management platforms that are popular with travel agents?

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(Whitney’s podcast, Masters in Travel)
(The Hive: Global directory of suppliers, properties and DMCs)
tcarpenter@carpentertaylor.com (Thomas Carpenter’s email)
(Thomas Carpenter’s law firm’s website)
(Complete list of travel industry specific attorneys)

Part-time Agencies Frowned Upon? IC or Employee – Benefits and Drawbacks? TA Trust Accounts?

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 137 Steph has a new co-host! Join Scott Wismont, owner of Rainbow Getaways, as we dive into great questions you’ve been kind enough to submit. :)

Questions :

We break down if hosts and consortia look down upon advisors that are part-time, including what % of advisors are full time. And when we hear from an advisor with a background in entrepreneurship who is struggling to make a go of things as a self-employed agent, we answer if going the employee route is right for her. Including what income you can make as an employee and some things to think about if you want to start as an employee and make the leap to self-employed later on.

Lastly, what the heck is a trust account, which advisors need them, and what for?

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

Employee report

New agent sales tricks; sales tax on fees; G Adv. + TLN; why single supplements expensive

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 136 Steph's co-host is Eduardo Cartaya with G Adventures. :)

Questions :

What's their relationship with Travel Leaders Network like when it comes to commissions? What does Eduardo see successful new advisors doing that listeners can start emulating? We need to know the secret sauce! And Eduardo breaks it down for us why single supplements are often so spendy. (Hint: It's not because the suppliers are being greedy)

Lastly, we chat on if there are sales taxes that agencies need to be paying and how you find out what the situation is in your state.

We do this every week!

If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

When to get CRM/Itin Builder; Supplier Ads; Bringing on Biz Partner; Fees: How About This?

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Mary chats with Katie Williams from Tern. We discuss when the best time to invest in a CRM and/or travel itinerary builder, how effective using supplier advertisements are for agencies, things to consider when taking on a business partner, and our listener Michael sent us over his fees and wants to know what we think about them!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Learn more about Tern)

(BranchUp - FREE option)

(Travel marketing and media - Sandra McLemore, which includes paid, more of an array of marketing content from social to blog posts etc.)

(Travel Agent Collective)

(Find great content by going on FAMs and pushing out your FAM content throughout the year.)

(Wanderfully planned, Julie Patterson)

(Find a travel industry attorney)

(Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about charging fees.)

(HAR’s research reports have a TON of data on charging fees. What people are charging for, how much, the fee range when it’s a variable fee, etc.)

Fighting Chargebacks, Tour Operators for Families, G Adventures Vetting Process

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In episode 134 Steph chats with Eduardo Cartaya from G Adventures about what family options G Adventures (and other resorts/operators) offer for advisors looking to focus on families. We also dive into what steps G Adventures takes to vet their on-the-ground partners and ensuring they're keeping the dollars in the local community to improve the welfare of those who live in the destination. Lastly, we answer the question how to handle chargebacks (and how G Adventures handles them).

A reminder that G Adventures will be back on December 15th, 2024 and you can submit any questions you'd like them to answer here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(National Geographic Family Journeys operated by G Adventures)

(G Adventures family collection)

(Family Travel Association)

(G’s measure of how much of every dollar stays in destination–Ripple score)

(National geographic Journeys collection)

(Marine collection)

(Geluxe – 28 experiences at superior or upgraded service level. Adults only.)

Transitioning to TA after the military, selling one cruise line, and suitable charging models

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Previous Friday15 questions, Disney & charge fees, and new agent “Must Haves”

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 132 Steph chats with Lori Speers, CEO and Owner of Levarte Travel about previous Friday15 questions, Disney & charge fees, and new agent “Must Haves”.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Complete list of F15s: Sort Friday 15 episodes by tags)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (HAR’s research reports with data on fees, who charges, how much, what for, and lots of other good stuff!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites (A list and comparison of the travel agency websites options)

https://www.happiestthingstravel.com/ (Disney Travel Advisor Planner – digital and hard copy available)

https://www.practicallymagic.co/ (Theme Park Itinerary Software for Advisors)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds (Learn what the GDS is and who needs it)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/levarte-travel (Levarte’s profile on HAR)

https://levartetravel.com/ (Levarte’s website)

Nov 17 (TPI), Off for Black Friday. Dec 1 (G Adventures)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek (Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

FIT explained, getting an IATA & CLIA number, & helping clients w/ a US Passports

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 131 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing & Sales from Uniglobe Travel Center about what a FIT is and how to specialize in it, getting an IATA & CLIA number as a new independent agent, and helping clients get a US Passports.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Leads through online marketing, honing in on a niche, and setting income goals

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 130 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about leads through online marketing, honing in on a niche, and setting income goals.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Sign up for Google My Business)

(A great exercise on how to find your niche!)

(TAC episode with an advisor who has an amazing website that creates great leads)

(TAC episode with a Japan specialist agency that uses content marketing to find clients)

(TAC episode with an Italy expert that uses content marketing to find clients)

(Learn more about travel agent commissions)

(HAR’s research reports with data on income by niche, year, and lots of other good stuff!)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(866) 208-5604 x210 (Chad), x312 (Steve)

(OA’s contact us page)

info@outsideagents.com (email to reach OA team)

Nov 3rd (uniglobe), Nov 10 (Levarte Travel), Nov 17 (TPI)

Travel certification, hosting outside of the US, and developing your brand

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 129 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about travel certification, hosting outside of the US, and developing your brand.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Travel agent certification options, including Travel Institute, ASTA, CLIA)

(Traveller Made, a European based consortium, changed its name to the much harder to remember and pronounce: Serandipians!)

(Departure Lounge takes advisors that are not US citizens that live in the following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Virgin Islands (U.S.))

(1000 Mile Travel Group takes advisors worldwide.)

(A list of the different travel agency specific website programs, including Voyageur that Jenn mentioned, as well as some non-TA-specific ones)

(Sign up for Google My Business)

(Offers web design and branding services + marketing courses to travel agencies)

(Copywriting and branding services for agencies)

(Travel Marketing and Media has a website in a week program to help with copywriting and fully building out your website)

(Fiercely Forward FB group for all advisors. Doesn’t need to be a part of TPI)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s email)

October 27th, (Outside Agents) Nov 3rd (uniglobe), Nov 10 (Levarte Travel)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Linking a landing page, host agency website, and our host week event

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 128 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about linking a landing page, host agency website, and our host week event.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Virtually attend Adventure Together and tune in to Steph’s sessions!)

(Discover the options for your travel agency website)

(Create a subdomain of your main domain)

(Chad’s bookshelf. Pw: oastrong)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event – Jan 29 - Feb 2!)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(866) 208-5604x210 (Chad), x312 (Steve)

(OA’s contact us page)

info@outsideagents.com (email to reach OA team)

Oct 20th Travel Planners International, October 27th, Outside Agents, Nov 3rd (uniglobe)

Hotel views on takeover bookings, Competing with discounts, and 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! in episode 127 Steph chats with Connie Miller, Chief Relationship Officer/Business Development for Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel about hotel views on takeover bookings, competing with discounts, and 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course curriculum)

Hosted advisor report

(MVT’s profile on HAR)

conniem@ytc.com (Connie’s email)

805-456-2545 (Connie’s phone)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Qualifying customers booking air, sub agency contract, and payment gateway

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 126 Steph chats about qualifying customers booking air, sub agency contract, and payment gateway.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Stats on air traffic control)

Hosted advisor report

(What to look for in a host agency contract – Red flags and more)

(Host agency list where you can find host-franchise hybrids)

(Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s law office – Travel Law Office)

(Travel attorney Tom Carpenter’s law office)

(What E&O insurance covers, and what it doesn’t)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Finding a host with one-on-one relationships, business structures, and pinpointing a niche

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 125 Steph chats with Carolyn Sekerak, Director of Marketing Strategy and Community Engagement about finding a host with one-on-one relationships, business structures, and pinpointing a niche.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency

(Info on the seller of travel licensing in US)

(Info on seller of travel registrations in Canada)

(More ideas on finding a niche

(2023 Hosted Advisor Research Report with info on income by niche.)

(Travel Agent Chatter episode with destination wedding, honeymoon specialist)

(KHM’s profile on HAR)

corf@khmtravel.com (Carolyn’s email)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Advantages of joining a host, best travel agent education, and going from salary to being an IC

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 124 Steph chats with Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group about the advantages of joining a host, the best travel agent education, and going from salary to being an IC.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Benefits of using a host agency.)

(HAR’s 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Research Report.)

(List of training/educational opportunities for advisors.)

(How to ask questions to your travel industry peers on social media.)

(Wanderlust program)

(Travel Leaders of Tomorrow)

(HAR’s 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Research Report.)

(Nexion’s profile on HAR)

(Nexion’s website, click on getting started)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Travel MLMs, choosing a Host, and multiple company names

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 123 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing and Sales for Uniglobe Travel Center about Travel MLMs, choosing a Host, and multiple company names.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Who are the travel MLMs and what you need to know before joining one. Muy importante!)

(List of host agencies where you can filter our MLM hybrids

(Use the spreadsheet to narrow down your host agency options)

(PATH website)

(HAR’s annual research report on hosted travel advisors is out!)

(What is the GDS?)

(Uniglobe Travel Center’s profile on HAR)

(Schedule a call with April)

(April’s email)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Travel business hierarchy, help for vision impaired IC, and travel agent testing

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 122 Steph chats with Keith Waldon, owner of Departure Lounge about travel business hierarchy, help with vision impaired IC, and travel agent testing.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(HAR’s Accelerator course to get your agency set up faster!)

(What is a host agency?)

(What are Travel consortia/coops?)

(What is a travel preferred supplier?)

(Mind’s Eye Travel)

(Travel Eyes)

(Travel advisor education options)

(Travel advisor certification options)

(ASTA’s verified travel advisor (VTA) course)

(The 1000 travel advisor club)

(Departure Lounge’s profile on HAR)

(Keith’s email address)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Booking groups, payments done in installments, and ticketing vs. non-ticketing

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 121 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about booking groups, payments done in installments, and ticketing vs. non-ticketing.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events!)

(10 Insider Group Booking Tips from Travel Advisors [+Infographic])

(5 Steps to Finding Groups)

(What Suppliers Want you to Know About Booking Groups)

(Listen to advisors who specialize in booking groups! Use tag dropdown and select ‘groups’)

(Ja’Vonne Harley’s educational trips with ~100 people around the world)

(Ashley Morris’ destination wedding groups)

(Valerie Gossett’s cruise groups)

(Will Medina destination wedding groups and processes)

(Deb Fogarty affinity group cruises and how she finds them)

(Travel agency accreditation options — ARC and IATA ticketing/non-ticketing)

(A primer on what the heck the GDS is!)

(Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about debit memos)

(TL 365’s profile on HAR)

ltaylor@travelleaders365.com (Lindsay’s email address)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Facebook Marketing, Travel Advisor Mentors, Sole Proprietor vs. LLC

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 120 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Leaders International about how to go about finding a travel advisor mentor, leveraging your Facebook marketing (page vs. group?), and choosing between Sole Proprietorship and LCC!

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(TAC episode where advisor uses a FB group for her clients)

(Jenn’s webinar: How to Create a FB Community That Converts)

(Jenn’s webinar: Facebook Content That Converts)

(ASTA’s mentoring program)

(Find a travel industry event)

(Read this before a travel industry event to help you make the most of it!)

(The tourism industry’s award-winning business accelerator program for women and non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs.)

(Jenn’s Fiercely Forward FB Group)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s contact)

(TPI’s email address)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Gaining trust as a new IC, reducing Misclassification w/Planning Fees, & FAM qualifications

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 119 Step chats with Lori Spears, Owner of Levarte Travel about gaining trust as a new advisor, reducing IC Misclassification w/Planning Fees, and FAM trip qualifications.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events!)

(Find your senator)

(More on Airport Trading Cards)

(Episode 115 discussing more on the dangers of misclassification

(More on the ramifications of a host misclassifying you as an IC when you’re more like an employee)

(Travel attorney)

(IC contracts: What to look for)

(Episode 118 with answer to first part of questions with Mary and co-host Chad Burt, Outside Agents)

(HAR’s list of 200+ Travel Agent Rates)

(What’s a FAM Trip and Where to Find Them)

(Levarte’s profile on HAR)

(Levarte’s website)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Startup investment decisions, startup investment on tech, and sales minimums for FAMs

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 118 Mary chats with Chad Burt, Co-Owner of Outside Agents about startup investment decisions, startup investment on tech, and sales minimums for FAMs.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

har.news/survey Sign up for survey report updates to get notified when we publish our 2023 reports

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip - FAM Trips

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates - Resource on travel agent rates

(Industry events)

Travel Agent Training and Education will drop you into the rabbit hole for host education, certifications, business coaching and more.

har.news/7DS

har.news/survey - for notification when we publish our report

Technology is personal keynote with David Chait of Travefy from Host Week 2022

HAR’s favorite free marketing tools.

(Talk to the OA’s executive team)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

How do travel agents deal with visas, Website link, and Breaking up with your host agency

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 117 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about how travel agents deal with visas, website links, and how to break up with your host agency.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Sherpa provides visas for travelers and a wealth of info! Best fit for agencies with a significant % of travelers needing visas)

(CIBT visa services)

(G3 visa services)

(Tips for choosing your agency’s name)

(Trademark/servicemark process with trademark attorney on Friday 15 #58)

(What to do if host isn’t paying out commissions)

(Info on what to look for in contracts with host agencies)

(Lindsay’s email address)

(TL 365’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Biz Cards, getting to know the biz before specializing, & guides to setting up your own agency

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 116 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about business cards and what should be on them, if you should get to know the business before specializing, and what guides are out there on how to set up your own agency.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Travel Agent Career Outlook article: Full of great stats and facts for people that ask you about career as an advisor!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Info on CA SOT disclosures)

(Info on if you need a SOT registration in the 4 US states that have registrations)

(Info on if you need a SOT registration in Canadian provinces that have registrations)

(Host Week presentation on accessible travel)

(TAC episode with Amy Garner, who specializes in accessible travel)

(TAC episode with Becky Kirby, who specializes in accessible travel)

(HAR’s free email sequence on setting up your agency)

(HAR’s in-depth course with more support and resources to help you get started)

(Jenn’s Fiercely Forward TA Group on FB)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s email)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

This advisor booked the largest ship charter in history. Meet MICE expert Karen.

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol27 ******

When it comes to booking cruises, Karen Devine doesn’t just book a ton of rooms. She and her team of 8 literally charter entire ships for some of their corporate clients!

Your immediate reaction may be that her agency sales of $30-40M are way out of your league. But fear not! The head of 3D Cruise Partners has tips for agencies of all sizes and experience levels that are looking to level up their business.

With a combined total of 40 years of experience spanning the cruise side, the hotel side, the supplier side, and the customer side, Karen brings a deep perspective that’s rare to find in the industry. She shares how she’s mastered converting clients who haven’t cruised before to considering cruising as an option by using a travel comparison everyone can relate to.

Most leisure cruise advisors are familiar with the cruise line’s leisure groups department, but take some time to get to know about their corporate groups from the leading agency in the charters, meetings and incentive space for Royal Carribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises.

We’ll also let you know a secret about how your agency can successfully help corporate clients with their meetings/incentives/charters and make FULL commission . . .

without having cruise expertise on the meetings and incentives side.

We discover what a cruise brokerage company is, how she finds clients, why she doesn’t charge fees and the depth of customization she goes through for her clients. We also find out which vendors help her execute the unique customizations and how she streamlines the process to make it easy for her clients.

With a remote team spread across the US, we discover how Karen keeps her team motivated and engaged. And while Karen credits her team with a huge role in the success of the company, Karen is the first to say that there is one other person that is the key to her success. Find out who it is and why she suggests every business owner invests in this person.

This episode is a firehose of information for any agency ready to go full steam ahead and learn from the best.

Thanks to today’s sponsor: International Driving Authority ☀️ Learn more: https://idaoffice.org

Host contract that only allow you to book through them & travel advisor related podcast

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 115 Steph chats with Chad Burt, Co-Founder of Outside Agents about host contracts that only allow you to book through them and travel advisor-related podcast options.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(New article on FAM trips: What they are and how to find them!)

(Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(What happens if an independent contractor is reclassified as an employee? All about IC misclassification.)

(What to look for in your contract with host agencies.)

(Travel Weekly’s Trade Secrets with Emma Weissman and Jamie Biesada — ask questions about the industry)

(TIN Lounge with Theresa Chu-Bermudez and Korrine Johnson – TAs sharing their experiences and best practices)

(Travefy’s The Lounge)

(Host Week presentation of travel advisors who have started their own podcasts)

(Travel Pulse’s podcast)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Choosing a host agency and finding software that handles CRM, group management, and invoicing

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 114 Steph chats with Henley Vasquez, Co-Founder of Fora on how to narrow down and choose a host agency and the best travel software package that handles CRM, group management, and invoicing

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(How to research and qualify suppliers)

(Tips on choosing a host agency)

(Tern, new travel tech looking to unify all the agency tech)

(TripSuite, new travel tech looking to unify all the agency tech)

(TravelJoy: CRM, groups management, invoicing)

(VacationCRM: CRM, groups management, invoicing)

(Travefy: Itinerary builder, CRM. *** Visit link and enter promo code HAR15 to receive 15% off your first 6 months or first annual subscription with Travefy.)

(Zendesk CRM: not travel agency specific but free and you can customize!

(SION commission tracking software for agencies)

(To get more information, go to ‘Apply’. Add ‘HostAgencyReviews’ to question on who referred you to get pulled to the top!)

(Fora’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

VTC vs. CTD, answering client fee questions, and accreditation first or applying to host first

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 113 Steph chats about getting a VTC accreditation as an independent agent or to make a CTD with a company, answering client fee questions and whether to get an accreditation first or apply to host first.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(New article on what FAM trips are, how to find them, and how to go on one!)

(Sign up for HAR’s newsletter to get alert when Call for Speakers opens)

(More on the GDS: What it is and if you need it.)

(How to become a corporate travel advisor.)

(What are the travel agency accreditation options, including VTC and CTD?)

(A little more on what you can expect when it comes to airline commissions.)

(Section 8.3 goes over personnel requirements for CTD agencies.)

(Find all sorts of fee information in our annual travel advisor report! What % of advisors charge fees, what for, and how much.)

(Verbiage from 50+ advisors on how they communicate fees.)

(Familiarize yourself with seller of travel laws and fees if you live in, or have clients in: FL, WA, CA, HI)

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

Umbrella liability policies, travel jobs besides being a TA, and downward trend on flights

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 112 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting at Travel Leaders 365 about umbrella liability policies and they can take the place for E&O insurance, travel industry jobs besides being a travel agent, and the downward trend on flights.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(HAR's list of travel business jobs!)

(Hear how other advisors started out in the travel industry and how their old careers skillsets and networks transferred to being an advisor in HAR’s other podcast, Travel Agent Chatter.)

llauer@travelleaders365.com (Lindsay’s email address)

(Travel Leaders 365’s profile on HAR)

# of suppliers to use, adding TA rates, no $ to join a host, dual hosting offer more perks

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 111 Steph chats about the number of suppliers for your travel business, how to add a travel agent rate to HAR's download of 200+ rates, what to do if you don't have money to join a host agency, and does dual hosting offer more perks for your clients.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F1

(More info on preferred suppliers)

(HAR article on the process of making a booking)5, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Form where suppliers can submit their travel agent rates free of charge)

(Find 200+ travel agent rates that you can access as an advisor!)

(Find FAM trips on HAR’s event calendar)

(Sign up for our newsletter to never miss another fabo HAR article)

(List of travel consortia with reviews and information on their programs.)

(HAR’s Travel Industry Job Board. Free to post a job. 4k visits/mo)

(Million Miles Travel’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Gifting a dinner for booking, charging sales tax for travel services, duel hosting

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 110 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about gifting a dinner for booking, charging sales tax for travel services, and duel hosting.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Find the latest episodes of Travel Agent Chatter!)

(HAR’s Disney Dining Reservation Calendar)

(Disney booking tips from top Disney advisors)

(More info on ASTA’s advocacy efforts)

(HAR’s Course on Starting your Agency!)

(Episode 109 going over sales tax more in-depth)

(Find all of HAR’s survey reports here.)

(Data on advisors belonging to more than one host in 2021 from our Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2022)

(Article on things to think about when belonging to multiple hosts)

(Fiercely forward travel advisors FB Group)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Using your agency name, sales tax, hiring a registered agent, leaving host and keeping clients

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 109 Steph chats about where to use your agency name, sales tax, hiring a registered agent, and keeping clients when you leave a host.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

Thank you to Travel Leaders Market Square for sponsoring today’s episode

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report!

(Become a HAR course affiliate and earn 20% commission)

(More on ASTA’s Legislative Day 2023)

(What to expect with ASTA Legislative Day)

(Info on travel agency accreditation numbers)

(More info on ASTA’s advocacy efforts)

(HAR’s Course on Starting your Agency!)

(Info on West Virginia taxing travel agency services)

(Info on New Mexico’s taxing on gross receipts for agencies located in NM)

(Info on South Dakota’s taxing on gross receipts for agencies located in SD)

(List of host agencies with profile details on if an advisor can keep host agency leads once they leave)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Seller of travel license, creating a business plan, and getting an Admirals Pass

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 108 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting of Travel Leders 365, about seller of travel license, creating a business plan, and getting an Admirals Pass.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report!

(Become a HAR course affiliate and earn 20% commission)

(Info on the 4 U.S. Seller of Travel registration states)

(Canadian Seller of Travel registration information.)

(Travel industry attorney list)

(HAR’s free travel agency business plan template)

(HAR’s course on starting an agency has a more in-depth and editable agency business plan PDF)

(More info on Travel Leaders 365)

ltaylor@tl365.com (Lindsay’s email)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

How to get clients to commit, ASTA memberships and attending industry events

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 107 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents, about how to get clients to commit and ASTA memberships and attending industry events.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report!

(HAR’s course affiliate link to earn 20% commission!)

(Glenda Beagle’s site)

(More on Host Week)

(All Host Week presentations)

(Host Week Presentation: Building Your Marketing Funnel: Online List Building for Your Travel Business)

(Host Week Presentation: 5 Easy Steps to Building a Marketing Plan)

(HAR’s Travel Agent Chatter podcast)

(HAR’s calendar of nearly 100 travel industry events!)

(Outside Agents’ HAR profile + reviews)

Chad@outsideagents.com

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Types of travel agency insurance, host agency vs a host hybrid, and travel agency websites

Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 106 Steph chats about E&O vs. liability insurance vs. umbrella policy, host-only agency vs a host/agency hybrid, and whether a website that clients can interact with is important to have.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) QR code

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report!

(Amy Garner TAC episode)

Thank you to our sponsor, Uniglobe Travel Center

(360 Coverage Pros E&O Insurance)

(Article on E&O insurance)

(List of host agencies with data on who is host only vs. host hybrid)

(Data on website booking engines)

(Take the survey to help us get better data on website booking engines)

(Uniglobe Travel Center’s HAR profile + reviews)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Monthly cost to start a travel biz, fees to become an agent, attributes to becoming an agent

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 105 Steph chats with Krissi Harmon, Director at OAL Travel Network about monthly costs when starting your travel business, fees to become a travel agent, and attributes to becoming a travel agent like joining a host agency or obtaining an ASTA or CLIA number.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) QR code

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.)

(Wix website building tutorial)

(More info on travel MLMs)

(Information on startup costs and earnings for new advisors)

(Take our annual survey and get the report for free when it comes out! Normal price: $89.)

(HAR’s commission plan comparison and calculator)

(List of travel agency accreditation options)

(Reasons to use a host agency vs. going on your own)

krissi@oaltravelnetwork.com (Krissi’s email)

844-OAL-LINK (OAL Travel Network’s phone number)

(OAL Travel Network’s HAR profile)

(OAL Travel Network’s website)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

2 agents 1 EIN, independent agents and supplier rates, clients finding better rates

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 104 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about using an EIN for two agents and how to do taxes, becoming an independent agent and getting the best rates with suppliers, and what to do if a client finds a better rate than you did.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Lindsay’s Host Week presentation: How to Make Your Clients Crave the Travel that You Sell)

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.)

(Find all the Travel Agent Chatter episodes, including our newest!)

(List of travel industry attorneys)

(Article going over the different types of business structures)

(List of commission ranges by supplier type)

(3 Real-Life Ways Travel Agents Save You Money)

(Advantages of using a travel agent vs. booking online)

llauer@travelleaders.com365.com (Lindsay’s email)

(Travel Leaders 365’s HAR profile)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

From Disney to Cruises. Accessible Travel Tips. $1M in Sales for 2023. Meet Amy!

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac26

It started with Disney—doesn’t it always—and before she knew it, Amy Garner was introduced to the world of booking outside of theme parks and that’s when business really took off. Well, until the pandemic came. Despite the pandemic blip, Wicked Travel Concierage is looking to hit $1M in sales for 2023!

Coming from a “neuro spicy” family, Amy came into travel wanting to help other families like hers that felt like anxiety, ADHD, autism, etc. were roadblocks to visiting Disney. She’s a firm believer that if there’s a reason you think travel is inaccessible to you, let’s have a conversation about it and see what we can do. Then she works her magic.

In the last 5 years, Amy’s expertise and passion for accessible travel has grown beyond neurodiverse clientele and Amy openly shares her favorite accessibility resources as well as how she opens up the conversation with clients about any travelers with special needs. Whether it being plus sized, grandpa traveling with a colostomy bag, or anything else, Amy shines light on the different ways advisors can help all their clients be a part of and enjoy the vacation.

Amy also shows us her email automation workflows for her clients—which she sets up for each destination and sometimes vendor—allowing her to spend more time getting to know her clients and providing that human touch.

Everyone is welcome on this ride to learn about how a Disney-loving advisor opened up her agency to new destinations like Europe that many advisors think of as traditionally less accessible than cruises or US-based destinations and is reaping the benefits!

Switching from a subagent to an IC, choosing a niche, TA documents & waivers explained

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 103 Steph chats with Michelle Leal, Vice President. Member Engagement for Travel Edge, about switching from being a subagent to an independent contractor, choosing a niche, and they explain travel agent documents & waivers (Terms and Conditions, Service Agreement, and Liability Waiver).

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15 & Hello to Travel Edge!

02:39 | From Sub Agent to IC

11:05 | How to select a niche

19:06 | Differences between waivers

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report!

(HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!)

(Find a travel niche)

(Listen to our Travel Agent Chatter podcasts to find examples of different niches)

(More in-depth niche worksheet

(Tom Carpenter’s law office)

(HAR’s free travel agent form templates + other form resources)

(HAR’s Travel Waiver Form)

(Tom’s Host Week EduSpot on T&Cs)

(List of travel industry attorneys)

Submit your burning question here https://Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Replacing a full-time job w/ travel, how to find/generate leads, & changing your EIN number

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 102 Mary chats with Ali Moffitt, Marketing Manager for Andavo Travel about replacing a full-time job w/ a travel advisor job, how to find and generate more leads, and changing your EIN number and business structure.

Helpful Resources:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Upcoming survey opens next week, April 15th! Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.)

(Travel expenses article and free tax organizer!

(HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!)

(Travel Agent Chatter podcast: Example of advisor that is doing his agency PT while still holding down another job.)

(HAR’s Lead Resource & Comparison Chart)

(The Riveting IRS document, “Understanding your EIN”)

(HAR’s Travel Agency Business Structures, How to Choose)

(Andavo Profile)

Working in travel part-time, California regulations, and choosing a host with no reviews

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 101 Steph chats with Stephanie Pickles, President & Founder of Pickles Travel about working in travel part-time, California regulations, and choosing a host with no reviews.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Upcoming survey opens next week! Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.)

(Travel expenses article and free tax organizer!)

(HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!)

(Travel Agent Chatter podcast: Example of advisor that is doing his agency PT while still holding down another job.)

(Info on Seller of Travel licenses for US agencies)

(Info on Canadian travel agency regulations by province)

(Download the free questions to ask your host agency spreadsheet to keep you nice and organized!)

(HAR’s article on MLMs)

(Email or call scheduling is best way to reach the PTN team)

(Pickles Travel Network HAR profile)

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

Filling company under PO box, using your vaca for booking, & business name availability problem

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about filling your company under a PO box, if you can use your personal vacation as a startup booking, and what to do when you have a business name availability problem.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Free previews of HAR’s Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency Course first chapter with 7 lessons.)

Travel expenses article!

(Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Stop by our booth or join us for the host agency panel Steph is moderating.)

(Special thanks to today’s sponsor, Uniglobe Travel Center!)

(USPS’ Street Addressing program allows you to get a street address for you PO Box)

(Free tips on things to think about when choosing name for your agency)

(The HAR course has a 6 page exercise to walk you through different ways to think about your name.)

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

How to find more/better leads, tips for saving time, and recruiting new advisors.

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 99 Steph chats with Geraldine Ree about how to find more and better leads, tips for saving time as an advisor, and tips on recruiting new advisors.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(HAR article on things to consider with lead programs and where to find some!)

(Consortia profile list with details of lead programs)

(Host profile list with details of lead programs)

(Zicasso lead program for luxury agencies)

(Sandra McLemore’s Host Week presentation on avoiding distractions)

(Information on employee compensation and benefits from HAR’s annual survey)

(Sign up to get reminders when the survey goes live and results are published!)

https://www.geraldineree.com/ (Geraldine’s website)

geraldine@geraldineree.com (Geraldine’s email)

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

How to charge fees, marketing for wave season, clients outside your niche

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 98 Steph chats about how to charge fees, marketing for wave season and providing services to clients outside your niche.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

TAC episode on DWs/Honeymoons.

Travel expenses article!

(Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Stop by our booth or join us for the host agency panel Steph is moderating.)

(The Travel Agent’s Guide to Charging Fees. Verbiage for charging, inspiration for charging, and ideas on different fee structures)

(Read all the HAR reports on fees through the years!)

(More details and reviews on Virtuoso consortium. Also lists the host members of Virtuoso.)

Not taking March 24th off. March 31st, Geraldine Ree. (More on Geraldine Ree)

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Host vs. franchise and getting your own E&O insurance or using your Host's

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 97 Steph chats about choosing between a host and franchise and if you should get your own E&O insurance or use your Host Agency's (If they offer it).

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Independent advisor report 2022)

(Affiliate link for course in footer of the page)

(Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Join us on the host agency panel Steph is moderating.)

(Franchise or Host Agency article)

(List of industry franchises)

(What is a host agency)

(Do travel agents need E&O insurance. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know.)

(Our course on Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency with video interviews with E&O carriers)

(Thanks to our sponsor, Dream Vacations Advisor)

Taking March 24th off. March 31st, Geraldine Ree. (More on Geraldine Ree)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Average DW size of 80 pax. Close ratio of 75%. A website to die for. Meet Ashley.

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol25 ******

With 175 all-inclusive site visits under her belt, Ashley Morris may have a funny name to her agency --- Alpaca Your Bags Travel --- but she does not joke around when it comes to planning amazing destination weddings and honeymoons for her couples.

Ashley’s website is now on its third iteration and this one is a beaut! Visually appealing, full of content and personality, and set up to streamline her operations, it’s a model for how to prime your prospective clients to fall in love with you and ensure they have a great experience their entire journey working with you.

And that website is clearly doing something right because Ashley is clocking in an average wedding size of 80-90 guests and a most impressive 75% close ratio after her free consultation calls, there is a lot any advisor—destination weddings or not—can learn from her. It’s no surprise to us that her 9 year old agency is currently on track for $4M in sales for 2023!

We discuss the various parts of her website including her new lead magnet, the custom page for each couple that seamlessly integrates into her site, the reservation form with live inventory of the group bloc and how she manages to head off future disasters with some unique questions she asks before guests get to the reservation form.

Whether you’re new or experienced, doing groups or individuals, have a listen because this episode is chock-full of tips that are applicable to agencies of all sizes and types of travel!

This episode is in memory of Will Medina. An icon in the travel industry destination wedding space who recently passed away unexpectedly. ❤️

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol25

Non-disparagement clause, Faith-based host, Can Canadian agencies sell travel in the states

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 96 Steph chats about non-disparagement clause in host contracts, switching host agencies and how to do it, and if Canadian businesses can sell travel to clients in the states.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(HAR will be at Travel Agent Forum in Vegas from March 31st to April 3rd)

(HAR’s new Ultimate Guide to Starting a Travel Agency course)

(Host Agency Contracts: What to Look For)

(Host Week Playlist on YouTube)

(Ed Ventures, small, MN-based faith tour operator)

(Faith Travel Association for networking)

(ACTA’s website)

(Montana’s secretary of state)

(Uniglobe’s HAR profile)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TA referring leads, Company sign host contract, TA software, Diff btwn TA and Tour Op.

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 95 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about travel agents referring leads, host partnerships with companies, travel agent software, and the difference between travel agents and tour operators.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Find out more about our affiliate program for HAR’s Ultimate Guide to Starting a Travel Agency course — earn 20%)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y3oiffMCiJtWZYXPZDXbVuFaJrs_2HYT/view

(2022 Hosted Travel Advisors Report w/info on niches)

(list of travel industry attorneys)

(What to look for in your contract with your host agency)

(Info on Seller of Travel registrations)

(Travel Software Traveljoy)

(Tess, by Travel eSolutions is a Travel Software)

jennl@tpionline.com (Schedule a 15 min. power session w/Jenn)

(Fiercely Forward Travel Advisors FB group)

(Info on state-level requirements)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

HAR's new course, booking engine without a host, and what comes after initial training

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 94 Steph chats with Joshua Harrell, Chief Marketing Officer for Travel Quest Network about HAR's new course (The Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency), what travel booking engine you can get access to without joining a host agency, and what next after you initial training into the travel biz.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Canadian agency regulations)

(Travel agency accreditation options) (Benefits of using a host agency)

(Examples of advisors making bookings in TA portals)

(Link to info on new course)

(7 Day Set Up)

(Wix Tutorial)

(Overview of how TAs make bookings)

(How to build a work community)

(How to ask questions on social media)

(and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter 🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter 🤔

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank 🌴

Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program:

(Use promo code HWhuzzah to save 50% through Feb, 12th, 2023)

Converting quotes to Canadian money, Host training vs. independent, Why’s a consortia important

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 93 Steph chats with Vanessa McGovern, Co-Founder of Gifted Travel Network about converting quotes to Canadian money, host training vs. independent training, and why’s a consortium important to consider when choosing a host.

Helpful Resources

Course Community Meetup on Feb 13th at 7pm CT

(Friday 15 Episode 91: Problems that may arise if you’re booking clients outside the currency you’re quoting them in)

(What are travel consortia?)

(List of travel consortia)

(Virtuoso consortium profile w/list of Virtuoso host agencies)

(Travel agent training and education options)

(Travel industry events calendar)

(Host Week Interview)

(Email Gifted Travel Network team)

(Vanessa’s LinkedIn profile)

(Gifted Travel Network’s HAR profile)

Acquiring a GDS, FAM trip opt., Payment system w/out host, Certified to work w/ a host

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about acquiring a GDS system without a host, attending FAM trips through other host/consortiums, using a payment system without using a host, and do you need to be certified to work with a host.

Helpful Resources:

(Use code HAR149 to save 50%)

(More on IATA/ARC)

(Entertainment Travel Advisors Coalition)

(Global Business Travel Association)

(HAR’s event calendar with FAMs, conferences, ship inspections and more)

(Few notes on things to know when doing credit card processing)

(high risk credit card processing in travel)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/events

https://www.adventuretravel.biz/

(See many of the certification options available)

(HAR’s new course on starting your travel agency!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

(Host Week 2023)

(The Complete Guide to Starting Your Travel Agency!)

(What is the GDS and Which Travel Agents Need It)

(Travel Industry Lawyer List & Free Legal Docs for Agencies)

(Carpenter Law Office)

(Sign up for reminders and ask your questions!)

Multiple host, host vs agency, having international clients, biz travel expenses

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 91 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about working with multiple host, the difference between a host and a travel agency, having international clients, and business travel expenses.

Helpful Resources:

(Host Week!!! Register: https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek)

(Host Week! Exclusive Specials: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-week-discounts-2023)

Levarte Travel’s Meet the Hosts interview will be on Tuesday, January 24th @ 1:35pm CT.

(Belonging to more than one host: Pros and Cons)

(Dangers of IC Misclassification)

(IC Contracts: 10 Things to Consider Before You Sign)

(What exactly is a host agency?)

(Travel Agency Accreditation Options)

(Seller of Travel Licensing: USA)

(Travel Agency Licensing: Canada)

Touch pts w/client pre-travel, Move RCCL bkg to host, Personal travel restrict, Group promo

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 90 Steph chats with Jennifer Dugan, Chief Family Officer of Dugan's Travels about touching base w/ client post-booking, moving direct RCCL booking to host agency, host restrictions on personal travel, and the best group travel promotion in the new year.

Question

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15!

01:49 | What info to offer client after booking & before trip

06:33 | Can you book a personal trip through a host?

15:10 | Do you have a group travel promotion you can recommend?

Helpful Resources:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/erica-carr-bookitbox-travel

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts

https://rccl.secure.force.com/directtransfers/DTTRoyal

Subscribe and get e-new:

SBA Loan to Supercharge Agency Start, E&O Insurance Coverage, African Travel Host Agency

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to this week's Friday 15 brought to you by our sponsors at Incentive Connection Travel! Today Steph chats about SBA loans to supercharge your agency start, best E&O insurance coverage, and host agency for African travel.

Helpful Resources:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/incentive-connection-travel

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/hosted-travel-advisor-income-fee-report-2022

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here https://Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Exp. TAs skewing report data? Host w/ 1 booking system? Can new TAs get $100,000 gross

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 88 Steph chats about if experienced advisors were more likely to take the HAR survey, host with one booking system, and can new TA's get $100,000 in gross sales.

Question

00:00 | Welcome and meet Steph!

01:27 | Do more experienced advisors take HAR's survey?

06:58 | Are there hosts with one portal to book all suppliers?

11:45 | How hard is it get $100,000 in sales as a newbie?

Watch as a video: (Lots of visuals this episode!)

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(The report that will answer all your questions!)

(History of our survey results)

(What is a preferred supplier)

(Odysseus booking platform used by Outside Agents)

(Commission plan calculator)

Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Booking small suppliers w/ host. Finding host's preferred supplier list. Info on TA sales.

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 87 Steph chats about if hosts work with small suppliers, how do you find a host's preferred suppliers if not listed on HAR, and how do you find out information on advisor's average sales and commission.

Question

00:00 | Welcome to Friday15!

02:30 | Can you book small suppliers with a host?

05:18 | How to find a host's preferred suppliers

09:19 | How do find data on income, sales, and commissions for specific niches

----------

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Our annual report on hosted advisors is out!)

(What is a preferred supplier?)

(How to research and qualify suppliers.)

(Have questions to ask your travel peers on social? Read this first.)

Survey Report https: (We like our report so much we're linking to it TWICE!)

Past surveys: (Look at some of the past surveys to compare data)

Just a note we'll be off Dec. 23rd and 30th for the holidays but will be back in January 2023!

Experience selling a product/destination to sell? Hosts that do group air? Host Week specials.

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 86 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, from Travel Planners International about if you need to experience it to sell a product/destination, Host that does group air? Hard to get timely air quotes. Why? Host Week specials -- should I wait to join?

Question

00:00 | Welcome a sneak preview of HAR's latest data

05:45 | Do you need to experience the places you sell?

11:17 | Hosts that do group air?

15:20 | What the heck is up with your host deals?!

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Register for Host Week – it’s free! Jan 23-27)

(Sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Watch last year’s Host Week)

(Course on how to market your fam trips)

(App to record fam trip information)

(Another app to record FAM trip info)

(Upcoming FAM trips on our calendar)

(Cruise ship inspection checklist)

(Resort or site inspection checklist)

(How to ask questions to the TA community on social.)

(Wondering what the GDS is? We've got the answer.)

(See what you can expect from our Host Week deals! The current year's deals come out the week before Host Week.)

(Learn more about Jenn's host agency.)

jennl@tpionline.com (Strike up a convo with today's co-host and drop her a line)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Hosts who use TourRadar? Get certification b4 or after join host? Vetting tour operators.

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 00:02:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 84 Steph chats with repeat co-host Kimberly Stirdivant, TourRadar. Which hosts use TourRadar? Is picking a host before getting a travel certification okay? I'm an advisor that wants to also operate as a tour operator . . . Can I be hosted?

Helpful Resources:

Contact:

Interline rates, Is Host Wk recorded, Are comm. paid if leaving, DBA/sole prop needed w/1099

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 84 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, from Travel Planners International about which hosts allow you to book interline rates, if Host Week be recorded, is it normal for host not to pay commissions when you leave, and if you have a 1099, do you still have to do DBA and sole prop?

Helpful Resources:

How influencers book groups, Time commitment if your hosted, Host for sm. tour operator

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about how are influencers booking group travel, is there a minimum time commitment if you go hosted, host agency that are good for small tour operators.

Helpful Resources:

(Register for Host Week 2023 --- Jan 23-27th. It's free!)

(Want to speak at Host Week? Submit your Application!)

(Sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Small Business Saturday marketing ideas for agencies. We've done all the hashtag research so you don't have to!)

(Our in-depth podcasts. Select the 'groups' tag to learn more about leading/booking groups)

(More info on what exactly a host agency is)

(Great advice on finding groups for your agency!)

(Suppliers dish on what you need to know about group bookings.)

(10 insider Group Bookings Tips from Travel Advisors... and an infographic!)

(Know what you're getting into. Here's what to look for in your contract with your host agency.)

(Our in-depth podcasts. Select the 'destination specialist' tag to learn more about being a small tour operator/destination specialist.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 ----> Co-Host next week is Jenn Lee from Travel Planners International. And Nov 25th --- Black Friday --- we'll have Kimberly Stirdivant on from TourRadar. Don't forget to submit your questions!

Personal CC for biz, Homebase vs. IC, Listing host agency on HAR, Working as TA employee

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 82 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about using personal CC for business, homebased vs. IC - what's the difference, how to list host agency on HAR, and working as travel agent employee.

Helpful Resources:

$0 to 2.2M in 4 (pandemic) years. Surprise travel box w/goodies for clients. Meet Erica!

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Erica Carr stumbled into travel in 2019, booking a jaw-dropping 100 trips her first year … just in time for the worldwide pandemic. But ain’t no pandemic stopping this lady. Nope, Erica and her team of three employees are on track to bring in $2.2M in sales for 2022!

Bookitbox TRAVEL is a luxury travel agency with a spin. Every client gets a box pre-departure with travel info and gifts personalized to their unique itinerary. As they say at Bookitbox, “All boxed up and TSA approved.” Join us as we take a peek inside her boxes and Erica shares why she thinks the boxes have been so instrumental in helping her agency grow.

Oh, and copy cats. Most of us face them at one time or another. As you’ll find out, Erica is entirely transparent in what she does with the boxes and how it’s helped. So how does she deal with other businesses taking pages from her playbook? It might surprise you! 😊

We’ll chat with Erica on how she made the transition from never having really traveled in the high-end luxury space ended up opening a successful agency that has a $10k minimum spend for clients. She’ll share with us her approach of ‘loving on her clients’ and how she surprises clients throughout their journey with small gifts and unexpected touchpoints.

We’ll also touch on how she used the pandemic to systematize her agency so that coming out of the pandemic, she saw hockey stick growth in her sales. Through all this, she grew her team of employees throughout the US. If you’re wondering how to manage a remote team and hire the right people for your agency without being able to be in the same office, Erica has some tips for you on that too.

Settle in and get ready as we take a deep dive into yet another success agency owner’s story!

****** Special thanks to our sponsor, Levarte Travel: https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/levarte-travel ******

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol24

Site pics, LGBTQ-friendly tours, VAX VacationAccess, Sustainable Travel Vetting @TourRadar

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 81 Steph chats with Kimberly Stirdivant, Director of Partnerships, TourRadar about What resort/tour pics you can you use on your site, TourRadar has an LGBTQ-friendly filter for trips, What is VAX Vacation Access, How does TourRadar vet sustainable travel partners, and Does TourRadar only carry adventure tours?

Helpful Resources:

Supplier & host not paying, Who’s HAR's job board for, Are you team niche or no niche

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about supplier and host not paying commission, who is HAR's job board for, and are you team niche or team no niche?

Helpful Resources:

Hosts w/ ASTA mbrp, Resources for hiring/job descriptions, Hosts w/ military discounts

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 79 Steph chats about which hosts include ASTA membership, resources for hiring + job descriptions, and which hosts have military/veteran discounts.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Current ASTA host agency members: AAA, Andavo Travel, ATHome-Hosted by Atlas Travel, Avenue Two Travel, Avoya Travel, Brownell Travel, Cadence, Coastline Travel, Connoisseur Travel, Cruise Planners, Cruise.com, Dream Vacations, Departure Lounge, Direct Travel, Dugan's Travel, Frosch International, Gifted Travel Network, Independent by Liberty Travel, KHM Travel Group, Leisure Travel Alliance Central, Levarte, MTravel, NEST Plus, Nexion Travel Group, Oasis Travel Network, Plaza Travel, The Travel Society, Travel Experts, Travel Planners International, Travel Quest Network, Travology Host Travel Agency, Uniglobe Travel Center, Valerie Wilson Travel, WorldTravelServices, Montecito Village Travel

What Can I Earn on Intl. Air Tix, Becoming a Host, How Much to Start a Travel Agency

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 78 Steph chats about how much you can earn on international air tix, how much it cost to become host agency, and is $150 enough to start a travel agency?

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Canadian Regulation, Offering Payment Plans, Is 60 Air Tickets Yr Worth Joining A Host

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:54:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 65 Steph chats with Avery Campbell, from ACTA, about Canadian regulations: Agency vs. Outfitter, offering payment plans, and is 60 air tickets/yr worth joining a host?

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Infographic of which provinces have regulations and what they are.)

(Avery's contact info)

(ACTA Twitter account)

(ACTA LinkedIn account)

(Survey closes June 15th and we need your help! Please take it.)

(3 really awesome things traditional travel agencies can offer clients that online travel agencies are not able to)

(Podcast where agency books air tix for her large groups)

(Not sure what a public or private airfare is? Read this.)

New Website, Now What, Social Media, Why, Rebrand or Refresh

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today April chats about launching a new website and what to look for, why you should have social media, and rebranding or refreshing your brand.

Helpful Resources:

Young Leaders in Travel Council | allies.travel - https://www.allies.travel/young-leaders-in-travel-council
Build a website on Wix - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/wix-tutorial
Website Option - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites
Social Media - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-social-media
Rebrand/Refresh - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/when-rebrand-travel-business

Selling Destination Weddings. Host Website or 3rd Party, Trainings for Noobs from Host, S

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about going with host website or third party (which has better SEO), which hosts offer training for noobs, and advice for selling destination weddings.

Today's Resources ---->

(Use the drop down tag 'destination weddings' and 'groups' to find interviews with successful agents in these niches)
(Co-Host Itzy's email address)
(A shout out to ASTA's newly designed website!)
(List of the different travel agency website options out there: 3rd party, build your own, industry sites, etc.)
(Tutorial if you're looking to build your own website)
(Make a website with Wix in under 7 minutes. We'll show you how!)
Mike@modern.travel (If you're interested in learning more about Modern Destination Weddings' training program)
(Find info about if host agencies take new advisors, if they have a website program and a sample of the website they offer, and what type of education programs a host has, and much more!)

CTA Certif. Valid in Canada, Guide to Optimize Ship Inspection, Choosing Host w/ GDS

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about if a CTA certification is valid in Canada, step-by-step guide for optimizing a ship inspection, and if it's important to choose a host with a GDS?

Helpful Resources:

What to Spend on Expenses, Clients o/s State, Register Your Biz, Do Lg. Host Have Pull

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 74 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about how much to spend on travel expenses your first year, if you can have clients outside the state your Biz is in, do you need to register your biz if you move to a new state, and they discuss if large hosts have more pull than small hosts.

Helpful Resources:

(Find ATTA events and many more on HAR's free event calendar!)
https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates
(Free download of over 200+ travel agent rates)
(CruiseWorld event details)
(Guide on how to select conferences that will meet your goals, get the most out of them, and stay on budget)
(Info on seller of travel registrations/licensing)

Need a host to join ATTA, ATTA & TL Cert. Program, Host outside US/Can., S Corp biz

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 73 Steph chats with Mira Anselmi, ATTA Global Community Director about ATTA: Do you need host to join it, ATTA and Travel Leaders Certification Program, Host agencies outside the US/Canada, When does an S Corp biz structure make sense?

Helpful Resources:

Live Lead Programs for Travel Agents, HAR Dogs, Caring for Clients on a FAM Trip

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 72 Steph chats about live lead programs for travel agents, the HAR Dogs (and how they are so stylish), and caring for clients on a FAM trip.

Helpful Resources:

Difference Between Travel Consortia, Travel Agent Discounts, Why Use a Travel Agent?

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about the difference between travel consortias, travel agent discounts, and why someone should use a travel agent.

Helpful Resources:

(List of the travel consortia. If you love your consortium, go ahead and leave a review to help others understand the value of your consortium!)
(Great explainer of what a travel consortium/co-op is.)
https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates
(Download our list of 200+ travel agent rates you can access with your IATAN/CLIA/TRUE ID)
(Great read to help understand the less tangible things a travel professional brings to the table.)
(3 unique things travel advisors can do for their clients that online travel agencies cannot.)
(One of the unique things travel agents can do is put airline tickets on hold in the GDS. Not sure what it is? Don't worry, this article will break it down for you!)

Starting Agency w/o Experience, How to Plan for Site Insp., PCI-Compliant CC Storage

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement & Support for TPI, about starting an agency without travel experience, how long to plan for a site inspection, and recommended PCI-compliant CC storage.

RESOURCES:

- How Travel Agents Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection

- The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist

- FAM with intention: https://www.famwithintention.com/

- How to Properly Crowd Source: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-ask-questions-to-peers-on-social-media

- Free Travel Advisor Forms: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agent-forms-clients

- Travel Planners International profile: https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/travel-planners-international

From Hosted to True#: What You Need to Know, Best Host for Wheelchair Travel

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about going from hosted to a true number and all you need to know and best host for wheelchair travel.

Helpful Resources:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
(All about seller of travel licensing/registrations.)
(Breakdown and infographic of the different accreditation options for travel agencies, includes more details on the TRUE accreditation number)
https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
(When moving from hosted to independently accredited, make sure your bookings under your new accreditation number are covered by E&O -- errors and omissions -- insurance if you were getting it through your host)
(Podcast interview with an advisor that specializes in accessible travel)
(Supplier that works with travelers and travel advisors that are booking travelers in a wheelchair.)
(Blogger who travels in his wheelchair something like 200 days a year! A great source of info.)
https://travelability.net/ (Travelability Conference connects a wide range of people who are interested in making travel more accessible. Everyone from bloggers to tech companies, to travel advisors, to hospitality companies. Their resources page has a great curated list of specialized travel advisors)

From host to host-franchise hybrid. Meet educational travel expert LaTonya.

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This quarter we sit down with a mom of seven who left a career in education to start a travel agency focused on educational travel just four years ago. She’s moved from being with a traditional host to a host-franchise hybrid and we dig into why. (Not sure what a host-franchise hybrid is? We cover that too.) If you’ve ever wondered the difference between an agency that belongs to a travel franchise, vs. one that doesn’t, we break down the main differentiators in layman’s terms for you.

Not only has LaTonya sampled two different host structures, she’s also made the leap from home based to renting office space. We tap into her knowledge on how to get in as a vendor with schools and educational organizations, as well as the challenges and joys of focusing on educational trips for students of all ages.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac23 ******

Special thanks to our sponsor: Uniglobe Travel Center

Working & Starting an Agency, $10k Cost to Start Agency, Best Host + Training- Groups

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 68 Steph chats with April Swales, Marketing Director for Uniglobe Travel Center about working full-time while starting an agency, is $10k normal cost to start travel agency, and best host + trainings for groups

Helpful Resources:

(Real numbers on the average cost to start a travel agency)

(A great resources for different educational and training options for travel advisors.)

(Travefy is mentioned in the podcast as a great itinerary builder -- and it is -- but there are a few more out there if you're shopping around)

(Info on Uniglobe Travel Center's 3-month training program for new advisors.)

(The most comprehensive travel industry event calendar out there! Find trainings, conferences, events, FAM trips, ship inspections, etc.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Use the podcast filter feature to find in-depth podcast interviews with successful agencies. Our podcast tags include: Accessible Travel, Branding, Building Community, Corporate, Destination Specialists, Destination Weddings/Honeymoons, Disney, Entertainment/Production Travel, FIT, Groups, Homebased, Inbound Marketing, Leisure, Luxury, Marketing, Meetings and Incentives, New Agent, Remote Team, Social Media, Storefront, Team Management, Work-Life Balance)

Work w/More Than 1 Host, How to Break Even 1st yr, Cost of Host Ed.

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 64 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about working with more than one host, how much to earn in the 1st year to break even, cost of host educational programs, and are credit checks with hosts normal.

Helpful Resources:

Candidate Chat: Hear from Candidates Running for ASTA's Board of Directors

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:07:08 -0400

ASTA's board of directors election is coming up! Join us as we hear from the candidates unscripted, unedited, and super fun. :) ➡️MORE INFO + REGISTER FOR VIDEO RECORDING: https://hostagencyreviews.com/candidatechat 🎤 12pm CT - Peter N. Lobasso and I bring the noise and lay out Board of Directors 101 for those of us non-board-y types. :) 🎤 Marc Casto, President Leisure Americas, Flight Centre Travel Group 🎤 James Ferrara, Co-founder & CEO, InteleTravel.com 🎤 Jackie Friedman CTC, CTIE, President, Nexion LLC 🎤 David Harris , Executive Chairman, Ensemble Travel Group 🎤 Tiffany Hines, President & CEO, Global Escapes, Inc. 🎤 Jenn Lee, VP Industry Engagement & Support, Travel Planners International 🎤 Dr. Jasmien Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Life Services 🎤 Connie Miller, Chief Relationship Officer & Biz Development, Your Travel Center, Inc./Montecito Village Travel ************* MORE INFO + REGISTER FOR VIDEO RECORDING: https://hostagencyreviews.com/candidatechat ************* We'll be back again next week with our regular Friday 15. :)

Promoting suppliers, How commissions work with a host, affiliate marketing on site/email

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to our 67th Friday 15! Today Steph chats promoting suppliers (do you need permission?), How commissions work with a host agency, and affiliate marketing on site/email.

Helpful Resources:

**** HAR is hosting a Candidate Chat for ASTA's Board of Directors election --- Thurs, July 7th @12pm CT. It'll be so fun! Check out last year's Candidate Chat to get a feel for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ0R3KkPlrA ****
(Great guide for new advisors on how to vet suppliers)
(Guide to how travel agent commissions work and typical commission levels)
(Wondering what a travel consortia/consortium is?)
(If your agency is thinking of doing affiliate links, here's the FTC's rules for affiliate marketing and some examples of affiliate language)

Reviews of Education Programs, What are Travel Agent Rates, How to Get Travel Agent Rates

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 66 April chats about educational programs, what are travel agent rates, and how to get travel agent rates.

Helpful Resources:

Work w/More Than 1 Host, How to Break Even 1st yr, Cost of Host Ed. Programs, Credit Checks

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Helpful Resources:

Best Travel Conferences, Why Join Virtuoso Host for Luxury Travel, Merchant Accounts

Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Keith Waldon, Founder and Director of Departure Lounge, about the best travel conferences, why to join a virtuoso host for luxury travel, and what to know about merchant accounts.

Resources we go over:

TA w/ FT job, How to Market, Non-US Citizen Abroad w/ US Clients Finding Host, After 7DS

Thu, 12 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group, about being a travel advisor with a fulltime job, best ways to market your business, non-US citizen abroad w/ US clients finding host, and what to do after you finish our 7-day setup.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

jackie.friedman@nexion.com

sales@nexion.com

Hosts For LGBTQ+, Sole Proprietor To LLC, IATAN Or CLIA For Group Cruise, Cruise Group Tip

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This episone first aired on May 6, 2022.

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Lori Speere, Owner and CEO, from Levarté Travel about hosts for LGBTQ+ niche, going from sole proprietor to LLC, IATAN or CLIA to book group cruise, and tips for booking cruise groups.

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15!

02:15 | Which hosts are good for an LGBTQ+ travel niche?

06:25 | How do I transition from a sole proprietor to an LLC business model?

12:55 | Should I use CLIA or IATAN to book a group cruise?

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Hosts for LGBTQ+, Sole Proprietor to LLC, IATAN or CLIA for Group Cruise, Cruise Group Tip

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Lori Speere, Owner and CEO, from Levarte Travel about hosts for LGBTQ+ niche, going from sole proprietor to LLC, IATAN or CLIA to book group cruise, and tips for booking cruise groups.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

ASTA helps w/ Hotel Resort Fees, Difference Between ARC & IATA, Booking Employer's Travel

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats Mark Mead from ASTA about what ASTA is doing to help with hotel resort fees, what the real difference is between ARC & IATA, and booking your employer's travel: ethics.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Trainings for Corporate Advisors, Booking School Groups, UK Agency with Same Name as Me

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about trainings offered for corporate advisors, booking school groups and if you should join a host, and a UK agency with same name as me.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Difference of Trade/Service Mark/Copyright, Trademark Process, Cost/Time & Mistakes

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Stephanie Kwong from DBC Law about the difference between trade/service mark/copyright, how the trademark process works, trademark costs & time, and the 3 biggest trademark mistakes.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Host Mentorship Free but Lower Commission, How to choose a Consortium, Niches Examples

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Bill Coyle, VP Agent Engagement for KHM Travel Group, about host mentorship being free but lower commission %, what to look for in a consortium, and travel niche examples.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops

https://hostagencyreviews.com/consortia

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

Getting an Agency Job w/o Experience, Negotiating Rates for Groups, 50-50 Commission Split

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about getting an agency Job without experience, negotiating hotel rates for groups, and 50-50 commission split.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

View on Host with Clients, Host vs. Consortium, Business Banking, Client Payments

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Christopher Sherman, Brand Strategy and Marketing from Travel Edge Network , pros/cons of host that has own clients, difference between host and consortium, if you need a business banking account, and if client payments work.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency

https://hostagencyreviews.com/events

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials

This Disney agency uses systematization for max profits. Remote Team Tips. Meet Laurie.

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

An entrepreneur twice over, Laurie Burg has seen her sales skyrocket from $15M pre-pandemic, to $20M today.

We sit down and talk with Laurie about why she made the decision to have her Disney-only agency broaden its focus beyond the World of Walt.

Not only that, we discuss how she has managed to make the complex Disney bookings with low commissions profitable. (gasp!) The past ten years, she’s managed to iron out all the wrinkles and systemized the Disney booking process for both agents and clients, cutting down friction and optimizing conversions through thoughtful tweaks, such as different quote forms based on where clients are in the customer journey.

Laurie also shares some tips on how she build community in her team of advisors. During the pandemic she realized the importance of motivating her team and keeping spirits up, which resulted in the creation of a recognition program.

Whether you’re a Disney booking agency, a person looking for small changes you can add to your website to increase our sales, or someone looking at how to build a remote team, we’ve got a little something for all of you.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac22

Lead Programs for Agents, Business Licensing, Asking Client to Pay Commission

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph talks about lead programs for agents, whether you need a business license, and about asking client to pay commission.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Travel Expense Write Offs, Personal Travel, Accounting Software, Tax Tips

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Stephanie Cannon, founder of SC Travel Design, on travel expense write offs, personal travel with a work component, accounting software, a gives some tax tips.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Accreditation Options, Processing Fees, Travel MLMs, Do Trainings Transfer if Moving Hosts

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Chris Green, Director of Network Expansion at Avoya Travel Network on travel agency accreditation options, how to process fees, travel MLMs, and if trainings transfer when moving hosts.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _______________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Virtuoso Host, Air Consolidators, Hosts w/ no HAR Ratings, & Corporate Travel for Newbies

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Connie Miller, VP of Business Development of Montecito Village Travel why choose a virtuoso host agency, air consolidators, hosts with no ratings on HAR, and corporate travel for newbies.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

OA Education Programs, Support, Mentoring and Networking Tips, Fraud Protection Program

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Chad Burt, Co-Owner of Outside Agent about their education programs, support, Mentoring and Networking Tips, Fraud Protection Program.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Perks of Virtuoso Affiliation, Gifted MBA Program and GTN Support, Coaching & Mentoring

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Shannon Cunningham, Membership & Engagement Specialist for Gifted Travel Network about perks with Virtuoso affiliation, Gifted Travel Network MBA program and their support, coaching & mentoring

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Affluent Travel Affiliation, Levarte Academy and Website & Lead Tools

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Lori Speers, CEO and Founder of Levarte Travel about benefits of TravelSavers & Affluent Travel Affiliation, Levarte Academy & advisor support and website & lead tools.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Benefits of Travel Leaders Affiliation, TQN Training & Onboarding & Marketing Tips

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Joshua Harrell from Travel Quest Network about benefits with Travel Leaders affiliation, TQN training & onboarding program, TQN marketing tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Travel Agency Contracts, 7-Day Setup Program, CLIA vs IATA

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats about travel agency contracts, our 7-day setup program, and a CLIA number vs IATA.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Travel Agency Names, Domain Name Tips, Choosing a Business Structures

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to give tips chat about travel agency names, give domain name tips, and how to choose a business structure.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Travel Agency Names, Domain Name Tips, Choosing a Business Structures

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to give tips chat about travel agency names, give domain name tips, and how to choose a business structures.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Tips on Choosing a Host, Family Adventure Travel Niche, LLC Recommendations

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about travel agency website design, choosing your agency names, and our free marketing plan.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Choosing a Host, Do Host Agency Provide Leads, Travel Leads Tips

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about choosing a host, if host agencies provide leads, and travel leads tips.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Travel Agency Website Design, Choosing A Travel Agency Name, Free Marketing Plan

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This episode originally aired on December 17th, 2021

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about travel agency website design, choosing your agency names, and our free marketing plan.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Travel Agency Website Design, Choosing Travel Agency Names, Marketing Plan

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about travel agency website design, choosing your agency names, and our free marketing plan.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

How to do a complete rebrand RIGHT + Production Travel! Meet Molly.

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Join us as we pick the brain of Molly Williams, a 10-year travel industry veteran who specializes in bringing some of your favorite bands around the world. That’s right, her 6-woman remote team found a niche in entertainment/production travel! While production travel isn’t for everyone, Molly’s lessons apply to any agency moving large groups around.

And during that awful pandemic, Molly had an epiphany. She could either walk away or go all in and refresh her company. If you’ve considered a rebrand, Molly’s agency is one that’s done an amazing job. She worked with a pricing strategist to find out what fees she should charge and where. She worked with a copy writer to narrow down exactly the value she provided and what clients could expect working with her. She worked with a branding agency to turn her vision of her newly renamed agency, The Optimists Travel, into a reality.

For those that are looking for some ways to build corporate responsibility into your agency’s DNA, we’ve also got some inspiration for you on that front too!

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac21 ******

Special thanks to Uniworld River Cruises for sponsoring this episode.

7-Day Setup Challenge, Travel Agent Education, Agency Business Tips

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about our 7-Day Setup Challenge, Travel Agent Education, and Agency Business Tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

What is a Sub-Agent, LLC Business Structure, Private Airfare

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about what a sub-agent is, a LLC business structure, and private airfare.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

What is a Travel MLM, MLM vs Host Agency, Disney Dining Tips

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about what a travel MLM is, MLM vs. a host agency, and disney dining tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Questions for Prospective Hosts, Consortia vs Host Agency, Luxury Travel Hosts

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about getting started in leisure travel, travel niches, and the cost of starting an agency.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Exploring Leisure Travel, Travel Niches, Costs for starting My Agency

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about leisure travel, travel niches, and the cost of starting an agency

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

How do Advisors Charge Fees, Service & Consultation Fees, Types of Fees Advisors Charge

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about how advisors charge fees, service & consultation fees, and what types of fees advisors charge.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

How do Advisors Charge Fees, Service & Consultation Fees, Types of Fees Advisors Charge

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about how advisors charge fees, service & consultation fees, and what types of fees advisors charge.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Finding a Host with Low Fees, What Fees Do Host Charge, and Social Media Options

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about finding a host with low fees, what fees do host charge, and social media options.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Disney Travel Agency, CLIA Or Other Accreditations, And Advantages To Host Agency Size

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This podcast aired October 22, 2021

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about Disney travel agency, CLIA or other accreditations, and advantages to host agency size.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Disney Travel Agency, CLIA or Other Accreditations, Advantages to Host Agency Size

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about Disney travel agency, CLIA or other accreditations, and advantages to host agency size.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up _____________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

LinkedIn:

Starting a Travel Agency, Choosing the Best Host, Marketing to a Larger Audience

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about starting a travel agency, choosing the best host, marketing to a larger audience.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬

__________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program:

________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

LinkedIn:

http://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/iamstephly

Starting My Travel Business, Starting in the Travel Biz, Getting a Travel Accreditation

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about starting your own travel business, starting in the travel biz, and getting your own travel accreditation.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter:

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Attending Host Conference, Choosing a Host Agency, Specialized Travel Niche

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about attending your host conference, choosing a host agency, and specialized travel niches.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Best Host Agency, Selling River Cruises, River Cruises Niche

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to take a look at the best host agencies, selling river cruises, and river cruises as a niche.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

What is a GDS, Do I Need a GDS, Unique Business Model

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Maureen chats about whether you should be hosted or not, if hosts provide leads, and travel school.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Hosted or Not, Do Hosts Provide Leads, Travel Schools

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Maureen chats about whether you should be hosted or not, if hosts provide leads, and travel school.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Sellers of Travel / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Business Credit Card, Becoming a Travel Agent, Travel License & Certification

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15 Maureen chats about switching host agencies, finding a host agency, and which host offer adventure travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-best-business-credit-cards-for-travel-agency-rewards

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-credit-card-rewards-travel-agency

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-travel-brand-credit-cards-travel-agents

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/

• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification

• https://asta.digitalchalk.com/learn/RoadmapToBecomingATravelAdvisor

• https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank _____________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Switching Hosts, Finding a Host, Which Host Offer Adventure Travel

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15 Maureen chats about switching host agencies, finding a host agency, and which host offer adventure travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ______________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Going Solo and Working with Suppliers

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about going solo and working with suppliers!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

What Conferences to Attend, Types of Travel Jobs, How to Prepare for the Return to Travel

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about what conferences to attend, type of travel industry jobs, and how to prepare for the return to travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/make-your-travel-conference-count

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/events/category/kind_conference

• https://www.travelagentforum.com/

• https://www.asta.org

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/new-hosted-travel-agent-report-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-employee-income-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-income-report-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-building-work-community

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

• https://www.travelweekly.com

• https://www.travelmarketreport.com

• https://www.travelpulse.com

Listen to our Podcast,

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ______________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Host Preferred Suppliers, Returning to the Industry, Host Suppliers Sales Team

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Maureen goes solo and chats about Host Preferred Suppliers, Returning to the Industry, and Host Suppliers Sales Team.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬💬💬

__________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program:

________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

Twitter:

LinkedIn:

http://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/iamstephly

Multiple Brands. Frequent Client Rewards. Radio Show Host. This $2M Agency Shows us How!

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Hear from a 26-year travel industry veteran and host of the radio show Traveling Culturati, about how she’s successfully tackled her agency’s multiple brands, created a successful frequent traveler program, and blended her passions together to form a unique niche.

We promise you’ll leave with multiple creative ways to grow your agency! Whether through ideas on how to grow your agency through radio/podcast, creating your own frequent traveler program for clients, or planting a seed on how you can marry your passions to create your dream niche, we'll have something for everyone in this episode.

What’s Ja'Vonne's niche? This $2M agency has found major success in putting together come-along trips for radio stations, special interest groups that allow her to travel around the world and follow her curiosity and passions, as well as group trips for African American travelers.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac20

Commission Overrides, Company Logo, Budget Host Agencies

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about commission overrides, company logos, and budget host agencies.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

IATA/IATAN Card, E&O Insurance, Active Military/Veteran Host Discounts

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Steph chats about the coveted IATA/ITANA card, more on E&O insurance and if you or your host should hold it, and about active military/veteran host discounts.

Here's a short and sweet list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Fake Reviews on HAR, What's a "Good" Commission Split

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on Friday 15, Steph is going to address the elephant in the room: fake reviews on the site. She’s going to chat on different kinds of fake reviews, why and how they happen, how we respond when one slips through the cracks, and what the HAR crew does to prevent them in the first place (spoiler alert, we do A LOT!).

So grab your magnifying glass, put on your fedora, and learn from HAR and you’ll become an amateur fake review sleuth in mere minutes.

Steph will also talk about what is a “good” commission split, highlighting one of our most creative site resources: HAR’s Commission Comparison Calculator.)

A short and sweet list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

HAR’s Review Guidelines: https://hostagencyreviews.com/etiquette-rules

HAR’s Host Agency Commission Plan Comparison Calculator: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news...

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/trav...

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/Travel...

________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyrev...

Facebook (Steph):

http://www.instagram.com/hostagencyre...

Instagram:

Twitter:

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn (Steph):